I love this poem, I thought about it today after reading a tweet by @DrJonathan
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,
We have no time to stand and stare.
I learned the poem Leisure by Newport poet W.H.Davies, in elementary school. My biggest challenge then, was the dread of being the one who would be singled out to recite the poem in front of the class.
They were just words to be memorized, then pretty meaningless to a 10 year old.
So long ago- but guess what?Today as I remember the words, the childhood fear is gone and I can reflect on the wisdom and meaning. So breathe , take your time , savor the moment
Image Credit: Kathy James , I took this photo while walking in Kirby Lonsdale, I think it works well with the poem 😉
