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1882–1937

THE VAGABOND

John Drinkwater

I know the pools where the grayling rise, I know the trees where the filberts fall, I know the woods where the red fox lies, The twisted elms where the brown owls call.

And I’ ve seldom a shilling to call my own, And there’ s never a girl I’ d marry, I thank the Lord I’ m a rolling stone With never a care to carry.

I talk to the stars as they come and go On every night from July to June, I’ m free of the speech of the winds that blow, And I know what weather will sing what tune.

I sow no seed and I pay no rent, And I thank no man for his bounties, But I’ ve a treasure that’ s never spent, I’ m lord of a dozen counties.

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THE VAGABOND · John Drinkwater · Poetry Cove