Couplet 1:What is this life if, full of care,We have no time to stand and stare.

The poet questionsthe purpose of a life which is full of worries that it does notgive us any space to simply stand still and watch the world go by.

Couplet 2:No time to stand beneath the boughsAnd stare as long as sheep or cows.

Peoplewho liveahectic life would not possess the leisure to stand under the branches of trees and keep staring into space. However, sheep and cows can often be seen standing still in vast open fields and staring into a distance.

Couplet 3:No time to see, when woods we pass,Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

When people walkpass a forest, they would be in too much of a hurry to notice the nooks and crannies in the grass where squirrelshide their nuts.

Couplet 4:No time to see, in broad daylight,Streams full of stars, like skies at night.In daylight, rivers appear to be sparkling under the effect of sunshineas though the streams are full of stars like the night sky.

Couplet 5:No time to turn at Beauty's glance,And watch her feet, how they can dance.

The rush of life provides people with no leisure to turn at the glance of a beautiful girl and marvel at her dancing feet.

Couplet 6:No time to wait till her mouth canEnrich that smile her eyes began.

They are unable to leisurely observe her as her mouth shapes out a smile that started from her eyes.

Couplet 7:A poor life this is if, full of care,We have no time to stand and stare.

Alife which is sotied down by worries that it allows one no time for leisure is indeed a miserable life. It means that we have a poor life if we have no time to relax physically or mentally.LEISUREWhat is this life if, full of care,We have no time to stand and stare.No time to stand beneath the boughsAnd stare as long as sheep or cows.No time to see, when woods we pass,Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.No time to see, in broad daylight,Streams full of stars, like skies at night.No time to turn at Beautys glance,And watch her feet, how they can dance.No time to wait till her mouth canEnrich that smile her eyes began.A poor life this if, full of care,We have no time to stand and stare.William Henry Davies1. What or who is the poet referring to when he used the word Beauty?___________________________________________________________________2. Explain in your own words what is meant in the first two lines of the poem.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Identify a line that demonstrates interactions with nature.___________________________________________________________1. (a) Which phrase is repeated all over the poem?_____________________________________________________________(b) Explain what is indicated by this repetition.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________1. What is implied by the word Leisure as used in the poem?____________________________________________________________1. Explain what the poet meant by the last two lines._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ANSWERS:PRACTICE 11. A soldier2. (a)The war fought for independence3. (b) He has been injured due to his involvement in the war for independence. Now he is old and disabled and cannot do much to free his country from new challenges. He still cares for the country but unable to fight as he used to do.PRACTICE 21. Nature2. The poet questions the purpose of a life which is so full of worry that it does not allow us any time to simply stand still and watch the world go by. We should take the time to recognize the world around us and see whats going on. One day we might have something or someone, and the next their gone.PRACTICE 31. In the Stanzas 1 and 2, the persona enhances the tone of frustration as he shares his disabilities and weariness of not being able to fight for the country anymore.2. (a) He is old and disabled3. (b) He voices out the problem encountered by the younger generation nowadays. He implies how the modern generation deceives each other and how the deceit is being spread day by day and it obviously bothers him.PRACTICE 41. Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.2. (a) No time3. (b) The repetition is an indication of mankinds dilemma. We merely go on with our fast paced lives as though nature is nothing special, when in reality it is a magnificent creation like a work of art hanging in a museum.PRACTICE 51. United population. In order to fight for our freedom, first we have to be united.2. (a) younger generation3. (b) We must defend our independence after the hardships that our late warriors had been through as they sacrificed themselves to grant us the peace that we are able to enjoy now. With all of our efforts, we must work hard to retain it.PRACTICE 61. Time spent enjoying simple beauties cherished and regarded as a forgotten pastime.2. The fever and fret of worldly responsibilities deprives man of sweet moments of leisure and rest. If human life is nothing but painful cares and worries, then it is really poor and miserable. Man should give as much importance to pleasure and peace of mind as to the earning of money to raise his status.