Leisure - poem summary

 Leisure - poem summary

         'Leisure’ is one of the best-known poems written by the Welsh poet W. H. Davies. It was first published in his “Songs Of Joy and Others” in 1911. This is a famous and highly relatable poem that challenges the modern world's industrialization, and humanity's connection to nature.According to the poet, nowadays, all that a person needs are care and comfort. One does not have the leisure to enjoy natural vibes.

       In this poem, Davies talks about living a life that is “full of care.” Through this phrase, the poet refers to a person whose life is busy mostly with necessities meant only for the body. Hence, they don’t have enough time to work on their mind. The poet says they are so busy that they don’t even have the time to simply “stand” and “stare” at the simple things of nature. In the next couplet, the poet says in modern times, people have no time to stand beneath the boughs and stare as long as the sheep or cows.

         In the following couplets, Davies talks about what modern humans avoid due to the lack of time in their busy schedules. It can also be true that they don’t even care about such things. But, the poet cares. In the first couplet of this section, he says people have no time to see the woods when they pass through it. People don’t even know where squirrels hide their nuts in the grass. Thereafter, the poet refers to the streams that gleam in the daylight, like stars in the “skies at night.” This section reflects how people have detached themselves from nature. If one just takes a leisurely walk in the woods or stares at the streams in daylight, he or she can see those things.

       Moreover, according to the poet, people have no time to turn to a beautiful girl and watch how her feet graciously move while she dances. Along with that, one doesn’t wait till her mouth can enrich that smile her eyes began. Here, the poet touches on an exciting idea. When one is about to smile, her eyes reflect the sense of happiness first. Then, one can see how the emotion gets expressed through her face. In the last couplet, the poet remarks that a “poor life”, is that of a person who doesn’t have time to stand and enjoy those things. This through this poem, Davies talks about the importance of being close to nature. 


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