The Horse Trough - Richard Hughes

THE HORSE TROUGH

Clouds of children round the trough

Splash and clatter in the sun:

Their clouted shoes are mostly off,

And some are quarrelling, and one

Cools half her face, nose downward bubbling,

Wetting her clothes and never troubling;

Bobble, bobble, bobble there

Till bubbles like young earthquakes heave

The orange island of her hair

And tidal waves run up her sleeve;

Another's tanned as brown as bistre;

Another ducks his little sister,

And all are mixed in such a crowd

And tell their separate joys so loud

That who can be this silent one,

This dimpled, pensive, baby one?

-She sits the sunny steps so still

For hours, trying hard to kill

One fly at least of those that buzz

So cannily...

And then she does.

RICHARD HUGHES

Summary: 'The Horse Trough' by Richard Hughes is a poem that vividly captures a scene of children playing around a horse trough. The lines depict the lively atmosphere as the children splash and make noise in the sun. Despite the commotion, the poet highlights a solitary figure, a young girl, who sits quietly on the steps, trying to kill a fly. In contrast to the chaotic energy of the other children, she remains calm and focused, eventually succeeding in her task. The poem contrasts the bustling activity of the group with the quiet determination of the solitary girl, inviting reflection on the nature of childhood innocence and individuality.