Poems (Larcom)/Swinging in the Barn

by Lucy Larcom

SWINGING IN THE BARN.

    SWING away,
From the great cross-beam,
Hid in heaps of clover-hay,
  Scented like a dream.

    Higher yet!
  Up, between the eaves,
Where the gray doves cooing flit
  Through the sun-gilt leaves.

    Here we go!
  Whistle, merry wind!.
'T is a long day you must blow,
  Lighter hearts to find.

    Swing away!
  Sweep the rough barn floor;
Looking through on Arcady
  Framed in by the door!

    One, two, three!
  Quick! the round red sun,
Hid behind yon twisted tree,
  Means to end the fun.

    Swing away,
  Over husks and grain!
Shall we ever be as gay,
  If we swing again?