Leisure
by
W. H. DAVIES
WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and 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 Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
A Reverie on the Value of Leisure in W. H. Davies' "Leisure"
A Reverie on the Value of Leisure in W. H. Davies' "Leisure"
"Leisure," a classic poem by W. H. Davies, invites us on a reflective trip to consider the value of leisure in our busy life. The poem's ten condensed lines offer a profound meditation on how little time there is in modern life for moments of reflection, observation, and appreciation.
What is this life if, full of concern, / We have no time to stand and stare? asks the opening line of Davies' poetry. This prompt question sets the stage for a critical analysis of the hectic, anxious pace of modern living. The poet uses sharp contrasts to compare and contrast the leisurely existence of nature's creatures with our hectic lives.
The poem's simplicity and vivid images make it beautiful. In Davies' depiction of a life without leisure, we overlook the straightforward joys of nature, such as sitting under a tree, watching sheep and cows in peace, and admiring the secret beauty of the woods. He expands on this notion by highlighting how we frequently fail to notice the beauty that is all around us, including the grace and allure of human connection, such as Beauty's dance and smile, and even the beauty of streams that sparkle like star-studded skies.
Throughout the poem, Davies' use of enjambment gives the poem a fluidity that reflects the leisurely pace he promotes. The poem comes to a tragic climax in its final stanza, which reiterates the idea that leading a life that is completely occupied by worries and anxieties and leaves no time for reflection is a "poor life."
What is this life if, full of concern, / We have no time to stand and stare? asks the opening line of Davies' poetry. This prompt question sets the stage for a critical analysis of the hectic, anxious pace of modern living. The poet uses sharp contrasts to compare and contrast the leisurely existence of nature's creatures with our hectic lives.
The poem's simplicity and vivid images make it beautiful. In Davies' depiction of a life without leisure, we overlook the straightforward joys of nature, such as sitting under a tree, watching sheep and cows in peace, and admiring the secret beauty of the woods. He expands on this notion by highlighting how we frequently fail to notice the beauty that is all around us, including the grace and allure of human connection, such as Beauty's dance and smile, and even the beauty of streams that sparkle like star-studded skies.
Throughout the poem, Davies' use of enjambment gives the poem a fluidity that reflects the leisurely pace he promotes. The poem comes to a tragic climax in its final stanza, which reiterates the idea that leading a life that is completely occupied by worries and anxieties and leaves no time for reflection is a "poor life."
"Leisure" is an enduring symbol of how important it is to maintain equilibrium in our lives. Davies urges us to take a minute to pause in the constant rush of the modern world, to take in what is around us, and to find moments of leisure. The poem's continuing popularity is due to its capacity to speak to readers of all ages and urge us to take back our time and appreciate life's small yet significant joys.
