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Far From The Madding Crowd
There are times when we all long to get away from the noise and busyness of everyday life. In this short poem, Nixon Waterman captures that feeling beautifully as he imagines leaving the city's noise behind and finding a quiet place surrounded by nature.
Instead of bells, whistles, and clocks, he longs to hear the whisper of the trees, the hum of bees, and the song of birds. His words remind us how peaceful it can be to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply watch the clouds drift by. While city life has many benefits, the quiet of the country offers something special too. This poem may even bring back memories of peaceful places where you have enjoyed the beauty and stillness of nature.
Updated September 12, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Far From The Madding Crowd
Poet: Nixon Waterman
"It seems to me I'd like to go
Where bells don't ring, nor whistles blow;
Nor clocks ner'er strike, nor gongs ne'er sound,
But where there's stillness all around.
No real still stillness- just the trees'
Low whispering, or the croon of bees;
The drowsy tinkling of the rill,
Or twilight song of whippoorwill.
'Twould be a joy could I behold
The dappled fields of green and gold,
Or in the cool, sweet clover lie
And watch the cloud-ships drifting by.
I'd like to find some quaint old boat,
And fold its oars, and with it float
Along the lazy, limpid stream
Where water-lilies drowse and dream.
Sometimes it seems to me I must
Just quite the city's din and dust
And get out where the sky is blue;
And say, how does it seem to you?"
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Quiet Restores Us
Sometimes we need to step away from noise and activity and spend time somewhere peaceful. Quiet moments can help us slow down, clear our thoughts, and appreciate the simple things around us.
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Nature Offers Its Own Music
True quiet does not always mean complete silence. The whisper of trees, the hum of bees, flowing water, and birdsong can bring a peacefulness that busy surroundings often cannot.
-
Simple Moments Can Bring Joy
Watching clouds drift across the sky or sitting beside a quiet stream may seem like small things, yet they can bring great contentment. Waterman's poem reminds us that we do not always need excitement to enjoy life.
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Conclusion
Nixon Waterman's poem reminds us how refreshing it can be to leave noise and hurry behind for a little while. A quiet place, the sound of birds, a gentle breeze, or simply watching the clouds can help us slow down and appreciate what is around us.
We may not always be able to escape to the countryside, but we can still look for moments of stillness in our day. Sometimes a few peaceful minutes are enough to clear our thoughts, lift our spirits, and remind us of the simple beauty that surrounds us.
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