poem: Trespass by John Clare

 Trespass 

by John Clare 

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.

Trespass 

by John Clare

 Line-by-Line Paraphrase

1. I dreaded walking where there was no path

I was afraid to walk where there was no proper way.

2. And pressed with cautious tread the meadow swath

I walked very carefully across the grassy meadow.

3. And always turned to look with wary eye

I kept looking back with a watchful and cautious eye.

4. And always feared the owner coming by;

I was always afraid that the landowner might appear.

5. Yet everything about where I had gone

Still, everything around the place I was walking in

6. Appeared so beautiful I ventured on

Looked so beautiful that I continued walking despite the risk.

7. And when I gained the road where all are free

When I finally reached the public road that everyone could use,

8. I fancied every stranger frowned at me

I imagined that every stranger looked at me with disapproval.

9. And every kinder look appeared to say

Even the friendly looks seemed to tell me,

10. 'You've been on trespass in your walk today.'

"You have been walking on someone else's land without permission

 today."

11. I've often thought, the day appeared so fine,

I often thought, because the day was so beautiful,

12. How beautiful if such a place were mine;

How wonderful it would be if such a place belonged to me.

13. But, having naught, I never feel alone

But since I own nothing, I do not become greedy or lonely because

 of it.

14. And cannot use another's as my own.

And I cannot treat someone else's property as if it were mine.

Summary of the Poem

The poet walks across private land, afraid of being caught. The beauty

 of nature tempts him to continue, but he feels guilty and wishes the

 land were his own. In the end, he accepts that he has no right to use 

another person's property.

Theme of the Poem

The poem highlights respect for others' property, honesty, guilt, and 

the beauty of nature. It teaches that we should respect others' rights 

even when we are tempted.

Central Idea of the Poem

The poem shows that we should admire nature without violating 

others' rights. It teaches the importance of honesty, self-control,

 and respecting private property.

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