Back to: Maharashtra Board Class 8th English Guide & Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Worm by Thomas Gisborne tells us about the beauty of nature that lies in small things. It tells us how beautiful nature is when observed with intricate care. It tells us the perspective of nature when seen through a worm’s eye and how ruthless we are to kill them without ourselves noticing it. In this poem, the poet urges us to remember that every creature on the earth is created by God. We must hence respect every creature big or small, and not take away a life which we cannot give.
Stanza 1
Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside, Nor crush that helpless worm; The frame thy wayward looks deride Required a God to form.
In this poem, the poet tells the reader, who is in a hurry, to turn his foot aside so that he does not crush the helpless worm. The reader may be filled with scorn and hatred for the worm, but it was created by God.
Stanza 2
The common lord of all that move, From whom thy being flow'd, A portion of that boundless love On that poor worm bestowed.
The same God who made human beings and all other things that move has also given a portion of his unlimited love to the poor worm as a gift.
Stanza 3
The sun, the moon, the stars, He made For all his creatures free; And spread o'er earth the grassy blade, For worms as well as thee.
God has given the sun, the moon, and the stars free to all the creatures he created. The grass that grows over the earth was made of worms as well as for human beings.
Stanza 4
Let them enjoy their little day, Their humble bliss receive; O! do not lightly take away The life thou can not give.
The poet urges the reader to allow the worms to enjoy their brief life with its humble pleasure. He tells us not to take away a life that we cannot give.
Conclusion
Every creature on this earth is created by God for some purpose. Worms play a very important role in maintaining ecological balance. They loosen and aerate the mud and bring up fertile, nutrient-rich soil and this is the purpose why God created them.
