Introduction: “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
“Leisure” by W.H. Davies, first published in 1911 in his collection Songs of Joy and Others, showing its enduring appeal in its simple yet profound message about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the beauty of the natural world. Davies uses vivid imagery and evocative language to contrast the frenetic pace of modern life with the serenity of nature, encouraging readers to break free from the monotony of routine and reconnect with the simple joys of life. The poem’s rhythmic structure and accessible language make it both memorable and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter its timeless message.
Text: “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,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Annotations: “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
| Line | Annotation |
| WHAT is this life if, full of care, | Questioning the purpose of life if it’s consumed by worry and responsibility |
| We have no time to stand and stare?— | Longing for a moment to pause and appreciate the world around us |
| No time to stand beneath the boughs, | Imagery of trees and nature, symbolizing peace and tranquility |
| And stare as long as sheep and cows: | Comparing humans to animals that take time to graze and enjoy their surroundings |
| No time to see, when woods we pass, | Missing out on the beauty of nature, even when surrounded by it |
| Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass: | Imagery of squirrels collecting nuts, symbolizing preparation and enjoyment |
| No time to see, in broad daylight, | Missing out on the beauty of the world, even in plain sight |
| Streams full of stars, like skies at night: | Imagery of stars reflecting in streams, symbolizing wonder and magic |
| No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, | Missing out on the beauty and joy that life has to offer |
| And watch her feet, how they can dance: | Imagery of beauty and grace, symbolizing joy and freedom |
| No time to wait till her mouth can | Anticipating the joy and beauty that life has to offer |
| Enrich that smile her eyes began? | Imagery of a smile, symbolizing happiness and joy |
| A poor life this if, full of care, | Concluding that a life without time to appreciate beauty is a poor one |
| We have no time to stand and stare. | Repetition of the idea that life is too full of care and worry |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Repetition | “No time to…” (repeated throughout) | Emphasizes the constant lack of leisure in a busy life. |
| Rhetorical Question | “WHAT is this life if, full of care…” | Makes the reader contemplate the value of a life without leisure. |
| Anaphora | Repeated use of “No time to…” at the beginning of lines | Creates a rhythm and reinforces the limited time for appreciation. |
| Simile | “Streams full of stars, like skies at night” | Compares the sparkling water in streams to the stars in the night sky, highlighting hidden beauty. |
| Metaphor (implied) | “Beauty’s glance” | Beauty is personified, suggesting it actively tries to capture attention. |
| Imagery | “Boughs,” “squirrels,” “nuts,” “grass,” “streams,” “stars,” “feet,” “smile” | Creates vivid pictures in the reader’s mind of nature and a beautiful woman. |
| Enjambment | Lines flow into each other without a full stop | Creates a sense of continuous thought and urgency. |
| Parallelism | “No time to see… No time to see…” | Creates a balanced structure that emphasizes missed opportunities. |
| Apostrophe | “And watch her feet, how they can dance” | Directly addresses “Beauty,” making it feel more present and engaging. |
| Alliteration | “Full of care,” “Boughs beneath,” “Stars, like skies” | Repetition of consonant sounds creates a musicality and emphasizes specific words. |
| Assonance | “Time to stand,” “Wait till her” | Repetition of vowel sounds creates internal rhyme and a sense of flow. |
| Hyperbole | “No time to…” (repeated) | Exaggerates the lack of time to emphasize its importance. |
| Epistrophe | “We have no time to stand and stare.” (repeated) | Powerful ending that reiterates the central message. |
| Iambic Meter (mostly) | The underlying rhythm of most lines (unstressed-stressed) | Creates a natural, conversational flow. |
| Caesura | Pauses within lines | Creates emphasis on specific words or phrases (e.g., “WHAT is this life…”). |
| Figurative Language | Simile, metaphor | Enhances the poem’s imagery and meaning. |
| Symbolism | “Standing and staring” | Represents taking the time to appreciate life’s simple beauty. |
| Tone | Reflective, questioning, persuasive | Encourages the reader to re-evaluate their priorities. |
Themes: “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
- The Importance of Leisure: The poem’s central theme is the value of taking time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. The constant repetition of “No time to…” emphasizes the frantic pace of modern life that leaves no room for leisure. Davies contrasts this with the leisurely nature of animals, like the sheep and cows who graze and the squirrels who gather nuts. The speaker suggests that a life without leisure is a “poor life,” implying that true happiness comes from slowing down and appreciating the world around us.
- Appreciation of Nature’s Beauty: The poem is filled with vivid imagery of the natural world, from the “streams full of stars” to the “squirrels [hiding] their nuts in grass.” Davies highlights the beauty readily available in nature, waiting to be noticed by those who take the time to “stand and stare.” The comparison of a stream to a starry night sky emphasizes the wonder hidden in plain sight, urging readers to look beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate details.
- The Loss of Wonder: The poem expresses a sense of loss for the ability to find wonder in everyday life. Lines like “No time to see, when woods we pass” suggest that people have become so focused on their busy schedules that they miss the simple joys of observing nature. Davies contrasts this with the way animals seem to have a natural curiosity and appreciation for their surroundings. The speaker laments the lost ability to be captivated by “Beauty’s glance,” suggesting a world where people have become too preoccupied to appreciate the beauty that surrounds them.
- The Allure of Beauty: The poem acknowledges the captivating power of beauty, both in nature and potentially in a personified form (“Beauty’s glance”). The speaker expresses a desire to “watch her feet, how they can dance” and “wait till her mouth can / Enrich that smile her eyes began.” This imagery suggests that beauty has the power to hold our attention and bring joy, further emphasizing the importance of taking time to appreciate it.
Literary Theories and “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
| Literary Theory | Reference from the Poem | Analysis |
| Romanticism | “No time to stand beneath the boughs, / And stare as long as sheep and cows” (lines 3-4) | Emphasis on nature and the importance of taking time to appreciate its beauty. |
| Carpe Diem | “No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, / And watch her feet, how they can dance” (lines 9-10) | Urging the reader to seize the moment and appreciate beauty before it’s too late. |
| Simple Living | “WHAT is this life if, full of care, / We have no time to stand and stare” (lines 1-2) | Critique of a life consumed by worry and responsibility, advocating for a simpler way of living. |
Critical Questions about “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
- Question 1: What is the central theme of the poem, and how is it developed throughout the stanzas?
- The central theme of the poem is the importance of taking time to appreciate the beauty of life, despite the demands of a busy and care-filled existence. Davies develops this theme by repeatedly emphasizing the importance of “standing and staring” at the natural world, and lamenting the fact that we often fail to do so. Through imagery and metaphor, he highlights the beauty of nature and the joy that can be found in simple moments of observation.
- Question 2: How does the poem’s use of imagery and metaphor contribute to its message about the importance of leisure?
- The imagery and metaphor of the poem play a crucial role in conveying the importance of leisure. Davies uses vivid descriptions of nature, such as “streams full of stars” and “woods” where “squirrels hide their nuts in grass,” to create a sense of wonder and enchantment. These images serve as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the world, and the importance of taking time to appreciate it. The metaphor of “standing and staring” also emphasizes the idea that leisure is not just a luxury, but a necessary part of a fulfilling life.
- Question 3: What does the poem suggest about the relationship between work and leisure, and how does this relate to modern conceptions of productivity and busyness?
- The poem suggests that work and leisure are not mutually exclusive, and that taking time to appreciate beauty and nature is essential to a happy and fulfilling life. This idea challenges modern conceptions of productivity and busyness, which often prioritize work and achievement over relaxation and enjoyment. Davies’ poem argues that leisure is not a luxury, but a necessity, and that failing to prioritize it can lead to a life that is “full of care” but empty of joy.
- Question 4: How does the poem’s message about leisure relate to broader social and cultural issues, such as class and gender?
- Its message about leisure can be seen as a commentary on broader social and cultural issues, such as class and gender. In the early 20th century, when the poem was written, leisure time was often a luxury reserved for the wealthy, while working-class people had limited access to free time. Davies’ poem can be seen as a call to recognize the importance of leisure for all people, regardless of class or gender. Additionally, the poem’s emphasis on the importance of appreciating beauty and nature can be seen as a feminist critique of traditional gender roles, which often prioritize productivity and domesticity over relaxation and enjoyment.
Literary Works Similar to “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
- “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost: This classic poem by a fellow nature enthusiast shares a similar theme with “Leisure.” Frost contemplates the beauty of a snowy landscape and the allure of pausing amidst a busy life. Both poems use winter imagery and highlight the importance of finding peace and appreciation in nature.
- “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth: This romantic poem by Wordsworth celebrates the transformative power of nature. Like “Leisure,” it encourages the reader to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Both poems use vivid imagery and emphasize the emotional connection humans can have with nature.
- “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth: This poem by Wordsworth takes a slightly different approach. While still lamenting the fast pace of life, it focuses on the potential loss of connection with nature. Similar to “Leisure,” it criticizes the way daily concerns can blind us to the beauty that surrounds us.
- “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron: This poem by Byron celebrates the captivating power of female beauty. Although not directly focused on nature, it shares a thematic connection with “Leisure” regarding the importance of stopping to appreciate something beautiful. Both poems use vivid imagery and evoke a sense of awe and admiration.
- “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry: This contemporary poem by Berry offers a more modern perspective on appreciating nature. Like “Leisure,” it emphasizes the importance of finding solace and peace in the natural world. Both poems advocate for slowing down and connecting with the natural environment as a way to find peace and perspective.
Suggested Readings: “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
- Davies, W. H. Songs of Joy and Others. Fifield, 1911.
- Waterman, Rory, ed. WH Davies: Essays on the Super-Tramp Poet. Anthem Press, 2021.
Representative Quotations of “Leisure” by W.H. Davies
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “WHAT is this life if, full of care, / We have no time to stand and stare?” | Opening lines, emphasizing the importance of leisure | Romanticism: Valuing emotional experience and beauty over material concerns |
| “No time to stand beneath the boughs, / And stare as long as sheep and cows” | Imagery of nature, highlighting the need to slow down | Simple Living: Advocating for a simpler way of life, free from unnecessary complexity |
| “No time to see, when woods we pass, / Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass” | Imagery of nature, emphasizing the beauty in details | Ecocriticism: Highlighting the interconnectedness of human and natural worlds |
| “A poor life this if, full of care, / We have no time to stand and stare” | Concluding lines, reiterating the importance of leisure | Carpe Diem: Urging the reader to seize the moment and appreciate beauty |