At grass is a poem about retired horses. It explains that the horses are now relaxing in a field. They do not have to race as they once had to. They "stand at ease" The sibilance and alliteration in "summer by summer all stole away, the starting-gates, the crowds and cries" draws attention to how their lives have changed over time. The lines sound soft and wistful. This shows the poem to be a happy poem. Although "memories [probably] plague [the horses] ears like flies" are enjoying their retirement. Before they used to be timed when racing and they were always being watched, now they can "gallop for what must be joy".…
