Leisure - Analysis of the Poem

Synopsis

This poem is about our quality of life. The poem tells us that life is rather meaningless if we do not have the "time to see" the things of nature around us like "where the squirrels hide their nuts in grass" or enjoy the "streams full of stars, like stars at night". Hence, our lifestyle is now a "poor life" that is "full of care". The poet shows us all the wonderful things in nature that we are missing out when we live a life that is so "full of care" and worries. Consequently, we have no time for leisure. The title of the poem "Leisure" suggest that we need to take time off to relax and unwind.

Themes

Lack of recreational activities in life

The poem highlights that in today's world we have forgotten to put time aside for recreational activities. The poet draws our attention to the fact that life has no meaning if we only concentrate on our work and we have "no time to sand", "no time to see", "no time to turn" and "no time to wait". We have to give meaning to our life by putting aside some time for leisure and to observe the simple things around us - like watching "squirrels hide their nuts in grass", see "streams full of stars" and see nature and people dance. 

Enjoy nature

The poem draws our attention to the beauty of life around us. We have to take time to look around us and take in simple pleasures given to us by nature. For instance we have "to stand beneath the boughs" and take in the beauty of nature as it unfolds before us.

Moral Values

Lead a balanced life

We must make sure we maintain a balance. We must ensure time is set aside for leisure so that we become more balanced and harmonious individuals.

Appreciate nature

We must ensure we put aside sufficient time to enjoy what God has given us - the beauty of nature around us. Life has no meaning if we do not enjoy and appreciate the beauty around us.

Setting

Present - the world around us

It highlights the beauty of nature - e.g. the woods, the streams, the tree and the animals like squirrels, sheep and cows 

Tone, Mood and Atmosphere

Quiet and reflective tone and mood.

Point of View

Perceptive and reflective person

Language and Style

Personification

In this poem we see that the word 'Beauty' is written using a capital 'B' - this means that there is more to it. Here the abstract concept- beauty of nature is almost given almost human-like qualities. When such an abstract idea like nature is given human qualities it is referred to as 'personification'. In this poem we can see the beauty of nature in many forms - i.e. you can see the "mouth", the smile in her eyes, and can "watch" her feet and see them "dance".

Imagery

When the poet uses language to describe something that touches our five senses we call it imagery. In this poem we see a lot of examples of visual imagery.

Example:

Someone standing under a shady tree (line 1, stanza 2)

cows and sheep grazing and enjoying the beauty of nature around them (line 2, stanza 2)

Squirrels running around in the woods hiding their nuts in the grass (stanza 3)

Exercise