Class 9 English Unit 9: Reading II: Poem: Leisure by W.H. Davies

 

Reading II: Poem: Leisure by W.H. Davies

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgsghZ77TI8 

 

About the Poet (W.H. Davies)

        William Henry Davies was a Welsh poet and writer born in 1871 in Newport, Wales. He had a difficult childhood and spent many years living as a tramp in the United States and the UK. Despite this rough life, he became a successful poet with a unique voice that celebrated nature and simple living. His poetry often reflects his deep love for the natural world and his dislike for the fast-paced modern life. One of his most famous works is the poem "Leisure", which is still widely read and appreciated today.

Summary of the Poem

        The poem "Leisure" by W.H. Davies talks about the busy life people live and how they forget to enjoy the beauty of nature. The poet says that life is not truly lived if we are always full of care and have no time to relax. He feels sad that people are always in a hurry and do not stop to look at trees, watch animals, or enjoy the beauty of the world.

He gives examples of simple things we miss—like watching squirrels hide their food or seeing the beauty in a woman’s smile reflected in her eyes. These small things bring peace and joy, but we miss them because we are too busy. The poet believes that just working all the time makes life dull and empty. He wants us to slow down, look around, and take time to “stand and stare” at nature. According to him, having time to enjoy nature is an important part of life. The poem gives a strong message: we should not let life pass us by without enjoying its simple pleasures.

Vocabulary

1.     stare /stɛə/ verb – to look fixedly

2.     boughs /baʊz/ noun - tree branches

3.     woods /wʊdz/ noun - forested areas

4.     streams /striːmz/ noun - small rivers

5.     glance /ɡlɑːns/ verb - quick look

6.     enrich /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/ verb – to improve quality

A.   Match the words with their meanings. (Answers only)

    Column A                       Column B

a.      stare                      iii. to look quickly at somebody or something

b.     beneath                 v. under somebody or something

c.      woods                  i. an area of trees

d.     enrich                    ii. to improve the quality of something

e.      glance                   iv. to look at somebody or something for a long time 

 

B.    Answer the following questions.

a.      Why is our life so miserable, according to the poet?

Our life is so miserable because we are very busy with earnings.

b.     What do sheep and cows do in nature?

They play and enjoy the beauty of nature.

c.      What do squirrels do in the woods?

The squirrels hide their nuts in the woods.

d.     What magic does Beauty perform?

Beauty performs the dance that enriches the smile.  

e.      What is human life like, if observed?

Human life is very poor if it is observed. 

 

C.    How do you spend your leisure time? Write a short paragraph.

In my free time, I love to unwind by listening to old songs by Nepali singers. There's something incredibly calming and sentimental about the melodies and lyrics of these classic tunes. Whether it's the soulful voice of Narayan Gopal with his timeless hit "Euta Manche Ko Maya Le Kati," or the emotional depth in Aruna Lama's "Himal Sari," these songs take me to a different era and bring a sense of peace and relaxation. I also enjoy the heartfelt performances of Kunti Moktan, especially her song "Banki Chari," and the charming voice of Ramkrishna Dhakal in "Orali Lageko Harin Ko Chhal." Shambhu Rai's "Ghumti Ma Na Aau Hai" is another favorite that resonates deeply with me. Listening to these old songs not only helps me relax but also keeps me connected to my cultural roots and Nepal's rich musical heritage.

***

Click for next Lesson: https://limbuchandrabahadur.blogspot.com/2025/07/class-9-english-unit-9-grammar-ii.html