An Old Road

A host of poppies, a flight of swallows;
A flurry of rain, and a wind that follows
Shepherds the leaves in the sheltered hollows
For the forest is shaken and thinned.

Over my head are the firs for rafter;
The crows blow south, and my heart goes after;
I kiss my hands to the world with laughter -
Is it Aidenn or mystical Ind?

Oh, the whirl of the fields in the windy weather!
How the barley breaks and blows together!
Oh, glad is the free bird afloat on the heather -
Oh, the whole world is glad of the wind!

Edwin Markham
(April 23, 1852 - March 7, 1940)
An American poet born in Oregon City. Moved at an early age to California, his childhood was spent on a ranch. During his boyhood, he attended school but 3 months in the year, but later studied at San José Normal School and University of California. After leaving university, he became teacher, and later principal and superintendent in schools, until 1899, when he sprang suddenly into fame by the publication of his poem, 'The Man with the Hoe'. This poem, crystallizing as it did the spirit of the time, and emphasizing one's obligation to society, became the impulse of the whole social movement in poetry and prevailed during the early years of 20th century. After this great success, Mr. Markham moved from California to New York City, where he continued to engage in literary work.

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