Spring it is Cheery
Thomas Hood
1799 to 1845
Track 1
Reconstruct the poem by dragging each line into its correct position. Your goal is to reassemble the original poem as accurately as possible. As you move the lines, you'll see whether your arrangement is correct, helping you explore the poem's flow and meaning. You can also print out the jumbled poem to cut up and reassemble in the classroom. Either way, take your time, enjoy the process, and discover how the poet's words come together to create something truly beautiful.
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What can an old man do but die?
Wither'd and shaken,
Maud and Marian pass him by;
Gold's in his clutches,
Youth may be silly,
June it was jolly,
Beggars are plenty,
What can an old man do but die?
Winter is dreary,
When he's forsaken,
Spring it is cheery,
Age has no honey,—
What can an old man do but die?
Youth it is sunny,
Maids will not lip him,
Friends, they are scanty,
If he has followers, I know why;
What can an old man do but die?
(Buying him crutches!)
Green leaves hang, but the brown must fly;
A dancing leg and a laughing eye;
Wisdom is chilly,—
Love will not clip him,
Oh for its folly!