Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Leisure" is a poem by William Henry Davies that explores the theme of the value of leisure time and the importance of taking time to appreciate the natural world. The poem was first published in 1911.

The poem is structured in two stanzas of equal length, each consisting of four lines. The poem's simple and straightforward language reflects its message of the beauty and simplicity of nature and the value of taking time to appreciate it.

The first stanza begins with the rhetorical question, "What is this life if, full of care, / We have no time to stand and stare?" The speaker suggests that life is meaningless if we are too busy with work and other responsibilities to take time to appreciate the natural world around us. The second half of the stanza describes the beauty of the countryside, with its "sheep, cows and horses" and "valleys, hills and trees."

The second stanza continues this theme, urging the reader to "find time to see the world," and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, such as "bees and butterflies" and "the beauty of the sun." The final line of the poem, "And watch the things you gave your life to, broken, / And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools," suggests that taking time to appreciate the world around us is not only enjoyable but also a necessary part of life, allowing us to recharge and renew our spirits.

Overall, "Leisure" is a powerful and evocative poem that urges readers to take time to appreciate the natural world and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. The poem's language and imagery reflect its message of the beauty and simplicity of nature and the importance of taking time to appreciate it.

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