Lesson 2: Leisure

Key Words: stare, streams

A

Read aloud and recite the poem.

Leisure

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 or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad day light, Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

A poor life this is if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. [William Henry Davies]

Make a list of the beautiful things the poet talks about in the poem.

B

Read the poem, discuss in groups/pairs, and write answers to these questions:

1. Why does the poet think that we have no time to stand and stare?
2. Do you think people often do not have time to enjoy the beauty of nature? Give reasons.

C

Suppose you are walking along a path through a wood. There are beautiful trees and flowers on either side of the path. What would you like to do?