In this installment, Roger Fanning reads “Trespass” by John Clare. Fanning's first book of poems, The Island Itself, was a National Poetry Series selection.  His second book, Homesick, was published in 2002, and he is currently at work on a third collection, tentatively titled Buoyancy Disorders.

John Clare, "Trespass"

I dreaded walking where there was no path
And pressed with cautious tread the meadow swath
And always turned to look with wary eye
And always feared the owner coming by;
Yet everything about where I had gone
Appeared so beautiful I ventured on
And when I gained the road where all are free
I fancied every stranger frowned at me
And every kinder look appeared to say
"You've been on trespass in your walk today."
I've often thought, the day appeared so fine,
How beautiful if such a place were mine;
But, having naught, I never feel alone
And cannot use another's as my own.