WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES
The Welsh poet, William Henry Davies (1871–1940), lived quite a unique life. He spent much of his life as a tramp traveling across the United States and the United Kingdom writing about his experiences. After an unfortunate injury slowed down his travels, Davies returned to England and established himself as one of the favorite poets of his time. As you can see from the following poem, Davies’ idea of leisure was to step back from the business of life and admire the beauty of creation.
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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 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.