Lay for the Day 4th February

The Scottish poet Robert Blair died on this day in 1746. His most famous composition, The Grave, a long poem in blank verse, was later illustrated with a series of engravings by William Blake.

Early or late
makes no difference in the grave.
Who goes calling
will find them always in,
need have no fear of waking them.

Cedar, oak and yew
inch their great shade over them.
Bend nearer then
the matted green, and call
where all are equally at home.

Early or late,
in the grave they are always waiting,
always willing
to be spoken to and listen.
Their green door will always let you in.

John Gibbens
from Simples

 

The Lay Reader: an archive of the poetic calendar