Lesson 7: Contemplation

A. Look at the picture and discuss in groups these questions:

1. Why is the boy up in the tree?
2. What is he looking at?
3. Guess what he is thinking about.

B. Read the poem and answer the above questions.

Contemplation

For days and days I’ve climbed a tree A dappled yellow tree And gazed abroad at many things I’ve always wished to see.

I see the green and gentle fields All bounded in with hedge And shining rivers swimming through The rushes on the edge, And little sheep who play all day I watch them as they run, While far away the roofs of town Are shining in the sun.

I think it’s very nice to sit So high and look so far---- How very large the world can be! How many things there are!

John Carpenter

Note:

dappled yellow tree - spotted yellow tree (the leaves may be yellow) gazed abroad - looked around bounded - surrounded hedge - a thick row of bushes swimming through - (the river like a person is swimming through) flowing through rushes - tall plants that grow on the river's edge

C. Ask and answer these questions.

1. Where do you think the tree was?
2. What were the four things the poet could see from the tree?
3. Have you ever climbed a tree? If yes, what did you do it for? If not, why?