Clouds had long been objects of fascination for John Clare, with the huge fenland skies of his native village.
So let me introduce you to our poet, lying flat on his back looking up at the sky - and at the clouds. He is entranced by the view, framed by the plants and grasses around. He experiences an uplift in his spirit, yet finds in his observation of the clouds a plaintive sadness, matching his inward turmoil
The sun those mornings used to find
Its clouds were other-country mountains
& heaven looked downward on the mind
Like groves & rocks & mottled fountains
Those heavens are gone the mountains grey
Turned mist—the sun a homeless ranger
Pursues alone his naked way
Unnoticed like a very stranger.
(‘Decay’ – lines 31-38)
The landscape around Helpston with its vast skies and its variable weather, with updrafts and downpours, bursts of sunshine, sudden rain- showers and storms mirrored Clare’s life. As our poet was to record in a rather different context:
“... the sorrow & happiness the clouds & sunshine the lights & shadows & all the other illustrations of providence have occurred which these pages simply illustrate”
'Clouds' is available from me at £6.50 + £1.00 towards postage and packing (UK).
Email me on arborfield@pm.me or leave me a message on the John Clare Poet facebook page.
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