The Roman Road runs straight and bare 
As the pale parting-line in hair 
Across the heath. And thoughtful men 
Contrast its days of Now and Then, 
And delve, and measure, and compare; 

Visioning on the vacant air 
Helmeted legionnaires, who proudly rear 
The Eagle, as they pace again 
The Roman Road. 

But no tall brass-helmeted legionnaire 
Haunts it for me. Uprises there 
A mother's form upon my ken, 
Guiding my infant steps, as when 
We walked that ancient thoroughfare, 
The Roman Road.

Added: Feb 20 2003 | Viewed: 1081 times | Comments (0)

Poet: Thomas Hardy
Poem: The Roman Road
Volume: Time's Laughingstocks
Year: Published/Written in 1909
Poem of the Day on:
Feb 24 2007
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