For years this was the only Thomas poem I knew, and I've always loved it:
IF I SHOULD EVER BY CHANCE
If I should ever by chance grow rich
I'd buy Codham, Cockridden, and Childerditch,
Roses, Pyrgo, and Lapwater
And let them all to my elder daughter.
The rent I shall ask of her will be only
Each year's first violets, white and lonely,
The first primroses and orchises -
She must find them before I do, that is.
But if she finds a blossom on furze
Without rent they shall all for ever be hers,
Codham, Cockridden, and Childerditch,
Roses, Pyrgo, and Lapwater,-
I shall give them all to my elder daughter.
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