Leisure - a Poem by William Henry Davies

"Leisure" is a poem by Welsh poet W. H. Davies,

The poem suggests that the fast-paced lifestyle of modern society can harm people's mental well-being. Many people don't have the opportunity to relax and enjoy nature or appreciate the present moment.

There is a printable of this poem available for download on my Teachers Pay Teachers page

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.