The cat runs races with her tail. The dog <br />Leaps oer the orchard hedge and knarls the grass. <br />The swine run round and grunt and play with straw, <br />Snatching out hasty mouthfuls from the stack. <br />Sudden upon the elmtree tops the crow <br />Unceremonious visit pays and croaks, <br />Then swops away. From mossy barn the owl <br />Bobs hasty out--wheels round and, scared as soon, <br />As hastily retires. The ducks grow wild <br />And from the muddy pond fly up and wheel <br />A circle round the village and soon, tired, <br />Plunge in the pond again. The maids in haste <br />Snatch from the orchard hedge the mizzled clothes <br />And laughing hurry in to keep them dry.<br /><br />John Clare<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/signs-of-winter/
