Winter In Durnover Field

A poem 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!