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1849–1916

GREEN FIELDS AND RUNNING BROOKS

James Whitcomb Riley

Ho! green fields and running brooks! Knotted strings and fishing-hooks Of the truant, stealing down Weedy backways of the town.

Where the sunshine overlooks, By green fields and running brooks, All intruding guests of chance With a golden tolerance,

Cooing doves, or pensive pair Of picnickers, straying there — By green fields and running brooks, Sylvan shades and mossy nooks!

And — O Dreamer of the Days, Murmurer of roundelays All unsung of words or books, Sing green fields and running brooks!

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GREEN FIELDS AND RUNNING BROOKS · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove