Back to: Karnataka Board Class 6th English Guide and Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction
The poet W.H. Davies wrote the poem “Nature’s Friend.” The poem is written in a tone that makes it look as if the author is praising himself since he is adored by everything in nature. The poet believes that it makes no difference to him what other people think of him since he knows he is cherished by nature.
About The Poet
William Henry Davies was an English poet who lived from July 3, 1871, in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, to September 26, 1940, in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, England. His songs have an intensity and simplicity that is unlike that of most of his Georgian contemporaries. Davies was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Wales, and a plaque at the Church House Inn in Newport, Wales, is dedicated to him.
Theme Of The Poem
The poem expresses the poet’s love, care and admiration for nature. The poet demonstrates his excellent behaviour for all organisms in nature by using the examples of bees, moths, cows, horses, and birds.
Stanza 1
Say what you like, All things love me! I pick no flowers — That wins the Bee.
The poet is speaking directly to the audience, and he confidently declares that no matter what the listeners think or feel about him, he believes that everything in nature loves him. This is due to the fact that he does not pick any flowers that are attractive to bees.
Stanza 2
The Summer's Moths Think my hand one — To touch their wings — With Wind and Sun.
Summer moths are not apprehensive about him, neither do they flee in fear. They imagine his hands to be like the wind and sun caressing their wings gently.
Stanza 3
The garden Mouse Comes near to play; Indeed, he turns His eyes away.
The garden mouse is daring enough to approach him for a game because it knows the poet will not hurt it, but it is also cautious of him.
Stanza 4
The Wren knows well I rob no nest; When I look in, She still will rest.
The Wren (a little bird) is acquainted with the poet. When the poet peers at her nest, she doesn’t flutter around in worry. She will sleep well in her nest, knowing that the poet will not touch her eggs.
Stanza 5
The hedge stops Cows. Or they would come After my voice Right to my home.
The poet is also friends with the cows grazing in the pastures. His voice is also well-known among them. When they recognized his voice calling to them, they would have followed him directly to his house if the boundaries of the fields hadn’t restrained them.
Stanza 6
The Horse can tell, Straight from my lip, My hand could not Hold any whip.
Davies proudly adds that his horse is aware that his hand is incapable of holding a whip since he has never misbehaved with him and could never be harsh to him.
Stanza 7
Say what you like, All things love me! Horse, Cow, and Mouse, Bird, moth and bee.
So, regardless of what others may believe, animals such as the horse, cow, mouse, bird, bees and moth like the poet because he is a real nature lover.
