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THE OXEN

BY THOMAS HARDY

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.

“Now they are all on their knees,”

An elder said as we sat in a flock

By the embers in hearthside ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where

They dwelt in their strawy pen,

Nor did it occur to one of us there

To doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave

In these years! Yet, I feel,

If someone said on Christmas Eve,

“Come; see the oxen kneel,

“In the lonely barton by yonder coomb

Our childhood used to know,”

I should go with him in the gloom,

Hoping it might be so.

◄ Tolerance

The family face ►

Comments

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John Marks

Mon 26th Dec 2022 17:00

Yes, Leon, I love Hardy's poetry, especially this poem. Seasons greetings to you and yourn.

<Deleted User> (34685)

Mon 26th Dec 2022 11:08

Wow! how could anyone not love this great poem? Thanks John

LS

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