[fantasyfan]

Clare wrote several poems about the skylark. One early poem that shows a remarkable ability to write in a formally difficult structure is "Address To a Lark Singing in Winter".

Clare uses a 6 line stanza that uses a a rhyme scheme that generally follows the pattern of a,a,a,b,a,b. The b rhymes are 5 syllables in length and the others 9. This creates a double thought pattern with two punch lines. Generally speaking, the first is a conclusion for the opening lines and the second is a kind of personal application at the end of the verse.

This process demonstrates a sophisticated poetic mind in action and as I've read these poems I am always conscious of a creative Artist. Two beautiful Asylum poems which show this poetic sensibility in action are "Love Cannot Die" and "Now Is Past". The first works through a series of powerful affirmations rooted in specific nature images such as "brightest sun", "bluest sky" and "rose and cinnamon". The second pairs images of contrasting seasons to put joy and sorrow, possession and loss into a deeper context.

Over and over again I feel in the presence of very sensitive poet with a deep responsiveness to Nature and to its forms. And he never generalises it as Wordsworth does but focuses on the concrete, thus giving his feelings a concrete reality.