Alfred Edward Housman

A Shropshire Lad. 55. Westward on the High-Hilled Plains

Westward on the high-hilled plains
   Where for me the world began,
Still, I think, in newer veins
   Frets the changeless blood of man.

Now that other lads than I
   Strip to bathe on Severn shore,
They, no help, for all they try,
   Tread the mill I trod before.

There, when hueless is the west
   And the darkness hushes wide,
Where the lad lies down to rest
   Stands the troubled dream beside.

There, on thoughts that once were mine,
   Day looks down the eastern steep,
And the youth at morning shine
   Makes the vow he will not keep.