The Deserted Village

Presents a poem by Oliver Goldsmith published in 1770. Considered one of his major poems, it condemns rural depopulation and the pursuit of wealth.

Ronnie was in the hayloft sliding down the piles of newly-stacked hay when he heard the car drive up into the yard and come to a stop. Spitting a mouthful of hayseeds from his lips and tongue, he ran over to the open doors and peered down into the yard.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.