W H Davies's poem must be one of the most popular in the English canon.
Its charm lies in its truth as well as artlessness. Newport-born Davies (1871-1940) had an eventful life. As a young man, he spent several years as a tramp in the United States and later lost a leg on an expedition to the Klondyke. His friends and admirers included George Bernard Shaw and the poet Edward Thomas.
LEISURE
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 stars as 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.
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