A-Shelling Peas

For a picture based on a poem - A-Shelling Peas by Harry Breaker Morant (114 Pictures in 2014 # 55 & 197/365 in 2014) See first comment box to find out about Harry.

 

"Now, all the world is green and bright

Outside the latticed pane;

The fields are decked with gold and white,

And Spring has come again.

But though the world be fair without,

With flow'rs and waving trees,

'Tis pleasanter to be about

Where Nell's a-shelling peas.

 

Her eyes are blue as cloudless skies,

And dimples deck her cheeks;

Whilst soft lights loiter in her eyes

Whene'er she smiles or speaks.

So all the sunlit morning-tide

I dally at mine ease,

To loaf at slender Nelly's side

When Nell's a-shelling peas.

 

This bard, who sits a-watching Nell,

With fingers white and slim,

Owns up that, as she breaks each shell,

She also "breaks up" him;

And could devoutly drop upon

Submissive, bended knees

To worship Nell with apron on -

A saint a-shelling peas.

 

The tucked-up muslin sleeves disclose

Her round arms white and bare -

'Tis only "shelling peas" that shows

Those dainty dimples there.

Old earth owns many sights to see

That captivate and please; -

The most bewitching sight for me

Is Nell a-shelling peas."

Done