Leisure
Synopsis
The poem is about a man not having time or not making time to enjoy nature and the simple pleasures of life. The persona questions what life is if we lead hurried lives all the time and have no time to look at nature or enjoy the beauty around us. Leisure is having free time to relax. However, we have too much work and make no time to enjoy the little things around us. Thus, quality of life is poor. The persona believes that we should spend our free time enjoying and appreciating the beauty of nature. We should have the time to stand under trees and look at the things happening around us. When we passed the woods, we should observe the activities of little animals like squirrels. We should also take time to look at streams that shimmer in daylight due tore flection of light. Nature is portrayed as a beautiful dancing lady with smiling eyes who then breaks into a smile. If we have no time to stand and stare, this is a poor life that is full of care.
Themes
Leisure is important in life.
In today’s world, everyone is busy that many have forgotten to take out for recreation. We must remember that a good life calls for moderation and a balance between work and rest. Therefore, we must spend some time for leisure to rest and recharge ourselves. Leisure is just an important as work because it enriches our lives.
Enjoy nature.
More often than not, we would rather spend our free time at shopping malls instead of enjoying nature. However, we should not take nature for granted as it enables us to do therapeutic activities like taking a walk in the park and jungle trekking.
Do not get caught up with the rat race.
Life is not all about attaining material wealth. Pushing ourselves too hard to be rich and successful might just bring about negative effects such as bad health. Hence, we should make it a point to take a free time off to enjoy the simple things in life. Only then would we be able to lead wholesome lives.
Moral values.
Moderation
We must strike a balance between work and leisure by setting aside time to observe and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Gratitude
Appreciate the beauty of nature and realize how much nature can do to take away our cares and gives us peace and inspiration.
Poet’s background
Poet: William Henry Davies
The poet’s name is William Henry Davies. He was born in 1871 in Monmouthshire, Wales. His poems were written based on his experience as a tramp and the many different characters he encountered along the way. His first poems were published when he was 34 years old. His poems highlight about nature's beauty based on his observations about hardships in life. He also wrote two novels and autobiographical works. His best known novel is Autobiography of a Super-Tramp. He died in 1940.
