The Poetry Corner

Winter In Durnover Field

By Thomas Hardy

SCENE. - A wide stretch of fallow ground recently sown with wheat, and frozen to iron hardness. Three large birds walking about thereon, and wistfully eyeing the surface. Wind keen from north-east: sky a dull grey. (TRIOLET) Rook. - Throughout the field I find no grain; The cruel frost encrusts the cornland! Starling. - Aye: patient pecking now is vain Throughout the field, I find . . . Rook. - No grain! Pigeon. - Nor will be, comrade, till it rain, Or genial thawings loose the lorn land Throughout the field. Rook. - I find no grain: The cruel frost encrusts the cornland!