Notes Punjab University Lahore B.A English Explanation of Poems

1

Leisure By

William Davies

Stanza No 1: 1:

Meanings: Meanings:

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. Care---
 ، , stare--- ‫د‬،‫ ر‬, beneath---‫ﮯ‬, boughs---‫ﭨﮩ ں‬

.

Reference: Reference: These lines have been taken from “Leisure” written by “William Davies” Davies”.

Context: Context:

In this poem shows his sadness over the busy life of modern man. He says that people are so much busy in their worldly affairs that they even have no time to enjoy life. They do not have time to look around and enjoy beautiful objects of nature.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet says that our life is useless if it is full of worldly worries and cares. We are so much busy that we have no time to stand and look at the beauty around us. Even we have no time to stand under a tree and look its beautiful boughs. He criticizes the modern man by saying that the cows and sheep have time to watch the beauty of trees but unfortunately we have no time to enjoy this beauty of nature. Actually in these lines the poet warns us on our rushed life and advises us to spare some time to relax.

Stanza 2: 2:

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.

Meanings: Meanings:

Woods---  ‫ ﭨ‬, squirrels----‫ﮩں‬, nuts---‫   ﮯ وا!  ارﮦ‬#$%.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation:

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In these lines, the poet shows his sadness on the busy life of modern man. He says that we are in so much hurry that we even not have time to enjoy the ordinary beauties of nature. While passing through woods we do not watch squirrels playing and hiding there nuts in grass. We even not enjoy the beauty of running brooks and streams. When the light of sun reflects from the water it looks like the sky full of stars in night. Here again he shows his sadness by saying that man has no time to watch this charming scene. In short, in the whole stanza is full of writer’s woe over business of modern man.

Stanza 3: 3:

No time to turn at Beauty’s Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eye began. A poor life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

Meanings: Meanings:

Glance---&،‫ﮦ‬, enrich---()*‫زر‬

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In early lines of the poem, the poet talks about different beauties of nature that we miss due to our rushed life. But in these lines, the poet refers to the human beauty. He says that apart from other beauties of nature man also does not enjoy human beauty that is always seen singing and dancing around him. Here he describes human beauty in the form of a young girl, who wants to share her smile with us. She wants to show her different dancing gestures. But, man is so much busy that he even not waits for so little time to see that smile that began from her eyes to reach her mouth. In the ending lines of the poem, here again the poet shows his disgust over the business of man. He says that it would be a poor life if it is full of worldly of cares and worries.

2-Tartary By

Walter De La Mare

Stanza 1: 1:

If I were Lord of Tartary. Myself and me alone,

3

My bed should be of ivory, Of beaten gold my throne;

Meaning of difficult words words: ords:

Alone---+(‫ا‬, ivory---#‫
دا‬,‫ﮨ‬, beaten gold---% ./*, throne---#$,.

Reference: Reference: Context: Context:

These lines have been taken from the poem “Tartary” written by “Walter De La Mare”.

It is a dream poem in which the poet describes an imaginary land and he calls it “Tartary”. It is a romantic place for enjoyment and has all the luxuries of life. Actually, the poet is fed up of miseries of life so much that he does not want to live in this cruel society which is full of sorrows and troubles. That’s why he creates an imaginary land though his imagination in which he hopes to enjoy all the comforts of life.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet shows his wish of ruling over the land of Tartary. He does not want to share his kingship with anyone and wants to rule this imaginary land alone. Then he describes different luxuries of this dream land. He says that for relaxing his bed should be made of ivory. Apart from that his royal seat should not be an ordinary one rather it should be made of pure gold. In short, these starting lines gives little glimpse of the luxuries that the poet wishes to enjoy in this dream land.

Stanza 2: 2:

And in my court should peacocks flaunt. And in my forests tigers haunt, And in my pools great fishes slant Their fins fins athwart the sun.

Meanings of the difficult words: words:

Flaunt---‫ ﮍ ﮍا‬،‫ر‬, Haunt--- (‫ ر‬#‫ ور‬1, Slant---‫
ﮨٔ
ﮨ‬, Fins---  ‫ 
(ﮯ‬, athwart---‫ ﮯ‬,

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet gives a little more detail about his dream land “Tartary”. He wishes that his court should be so magnificent that peacocks should dance in it. He would like to see tigers hunting in his forests. In the pools of his imaginary land big and beautiful fishes should swim. The fins of these fishes should be so beautiful that it reflects the bright rays of sun. In short, in these lines, the poet provides a beautiful picture of his beautiful imaginary land.

Stanza 3:

If I were Lord of Tartary, Trumpeters Trumpeters everyday To every meal would summon me, And in my courtyard bray,

Meanings of the difficult words: words:

4

Trumpeters---‫ﮯ‬/‫ﮯ وا‬34 4, Summon---+4, Bray--- 5 ‫واز ﮟ ﮨ‬1
‫او‬

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In the starting line of this stanza, the poet again shows his desire of ruling over the land of “Tartary”. Then in the coming lines he describes different royal features of his court. He desires that there would be trumpeters in his court who on the time of every meal should call him by playing their trumpets in a loud voice. In short, in these lines the poet gives a beautiful picture of his royal life.

Stanza 4: 4: ]

And in the evening lamps would shine, Yellow as honey, red as wine, While harp, and and flute, and mandoline, Made music sweet and gay.

Meanings of the difficult words: words:

Harp---34
‫ر‬%  74, Flute---854, Mandoline---4 ( ‫ح‬:
(
‫ر‬%, Gay---‫*ش‬،‫ور‬5.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet gives an evening picture of his dreamy land. He says that in the evening lamps would shine in his court. The light of these lamps should be as yellow as honey and as red as wine. He wishes that musical instruments like harp, flute and mandolin should be played by musicians in court. The combination of these musical instruments would create and sweet and pleasant effect. In short, in these lines the poet has given a romantic description of nights of “Tartary”.

Stanza 5: 5:

If I were Lord of Tartary. Tartary. I’d wear a robe of beads, White and gold, and green they’d be_ be_ And clustered thick as seeds;

Meanings of the difficult words: words:

Robe---دﮦ‬/, Beads---
,, Clustered--- ،‫ ﭧ‬

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation Explanation: lanation: In the beginning line of this stanza, the poet again shows his desire of ruling over the land of “Tartary”. Then, in the proceeding lines, he gives details about his magnificent dress. He says that he would wear a long gown that will be made up countless green and golden beads. This shows that not only he wants his land a symbol of beauty but wants beautiful things for himself also. This shows that he himself wants to be beautiful and charming just like his dream land “Tartary”.

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Stanza 6: 6:

And ere should wane the morning_star, morning_star, I’d don my robe and scimitar, And zebras seven should draw my car Through Tartary’s dark glades.

Meanings of the difficult words: words:

Ere---‫ﮯ ﮩﮯ‬% ‫اس‬, Wane---‫ ﮨ‬A(، ‫ ﭩ‬, Don--- ‫ﮍے ﮩ‬D(, Scimitar---
( A5E F‫ا‬

‫ار‬,Glades---‫  ان‬+ ( ‫  (ﮯ ا ر‬

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet gives some details about what he wants for himself in that dream land “Tartary”. He says that before the morning stars starts disappearing he would wear his grand dress and curved sword and would go out for morning walk on his carriage. That carriage would be drawn by seven zebra through the open spaces in the thick forests of “Tartary”. In short, these lines show the “Tartary” as well as his own glory.

Stanza 7: 7:

Lord of fruits of Tartary. Her rivers silver_pale ! Lord of the hills of Tartary, Glen, Glen, thicket, wood, and dale! dale!

Meanings of the difficult words: words:

Glen---‫ درﮦ‬H ,, Thicket---‫ن  ڑں‬3 , Dale---8‫واد‬،‫درﮦ‬

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes one by one those things on which he wants to rule in the land of “Tartary”. He wants to be the master of different fruit of Tartary. He wants to rule over the silver pale rivers of it. He shows his desire to rule over almost all the things of his dream land. He wants unchallenged authority over hills, valleys and small forests etc. In short, here again in these lines the poet shows his desire of ruling over his imaginary land without any partner.

Stanza 8: 8:

Her flashing stars, her scented breeze, Her trembling lakes, like foamless seas, Her birdbird-delighting citron trees In every purple vale !

Meanings Meanings of the difficult words: words:

Trembling lakes--- 
JD(, Citron trees---#*‫ے (ﮯ در‬, , Vale---‫ (ﮦ‬7‫دا‬.

Reference to the Context: Same and above.

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Explanation: Explanation: These are last lines of this beautiful imaginary poem. In these lines, the poet says that the sky of his land would be full of bright stars. The breeze would be fragrant. The water of shaking lakes would present a charming scene. The water of these lakes would be as clear as the water of foamless seas. There would be citron trees with birds sitting on them. These birds would be singing delightful songs. Every valley of that beautiful land would be full of purple flowers and leaves. In short, in these lines the poet gives a beautiful description of his dream land “Tartary”.

3-New Year Resolution By

Elizabeth Sewell

Stanza 1: 1:

I will drain Long draughts of quite As a purgation:

Meanings of the difficult words: words: Drain---( ‫اب‬%, Draughts---‫ ﭧ‬, purgation--- 4 ./*،(
ٔLM

Reference: Reference: Sewell” ewell”.

These lines have been taken from the poem “New Year Resolution” written by “Elizabeth

Context: Context: It is small but very impressive poem. In this poem, the poetess describes her intentions in a delightful manner at the approach of New Year. Usually, people celebrate New Year by drinking wine or doing other such useless things. But, the poetess doesn’t want to waste her time in such useless things. She wants to celebrate the arrival of New Year in a different style by learning bitter realities of life and making resolution for her future life.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines the poetess throws light on her New Year resolutions. She wants to drain her self by long draughts of quite. Now “the draining of long draughts” is commonly associated with drinking wine. But, she wants to drink in quite, as a means of purifying herself. Quite is a symbol of calmness and purity and this is what she wants to achieve.

Stanza 2: 2:

Remember Twice daily Who I am;

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Meanings of the difficult words: words: Twice---‫ہ‬O‫دود‬.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poetess shows her second intention, what she wants to do in New Year. Actually, she wants to learn form her past shortcomings and defects. In a day, she wants to remember her reality twice. She doesn’t want to forget her reality but wants to know purpose of her creation. She wants to know her objective in life and her rights and duties towards others. In short, through these lines the poetess makes us to realize our purpose of reality.

Stanza 3: 3:

Will lie o’nights In the bony arms Of reality and be comforted.

Reference to the Context:

Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In the ending lines of this short poem, the poetess gives her third intention on New Year. The poetess doesn’t want to spend her nights in sound sleeps rather she wants to know realities of life. She has a desire to spend her nights while staying in the bony arms of reality. She will feel comfortable while knowing the realities of life. Actually, “the bony arms of reality” refer towards the bones without flesh that is realities in their true sense. In short, she wants to know the realities of life though how bitter they are.

4- Woman Work By

Maya Angelou

Stanza 1: 1:

I’ve got the children to tend The clothes to mend The floor to mop The food to shop

Meanings of difficult words: words:

8

Tend--- ( ‫ل‬4 Q ‫د‬, Mend---( #, Mop---( ‫ف‬M.

Reference: Reference: Context Context: xt:

These lines have been taken from the poem “Women Work” by “Maya Angelou” Angelou”.

This poem presents the miserable state of a workingwoman and her wish to live an ideal life. The poetess has shown different phases of her daily life. Basically, it is poetess’s desire to escape from dull routine of life and having the company of nature.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poetess shows light on some the works a woman has to do in her daily life. She says that a woman has to do a lot of work in a day. She has to attend the children and then has to arrange their clothes. Then she has to clean her house to make it look attractive. That is not enough she goes to bazaar to buy something for cooking. In short, life of a house wife is not an easy one rather it is full of dull routines.

Stanza 2: 2:

Then chicken to fry The baby to dry I got company to feed The garden to weed

Meanings of difficult words: words: Weed---‫ﭨں‬4 8‫ ﮍ‬.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poetess shows light on some the works a woman has to do in her daily life. She says that a woman has to do a lot of work in a day. She has to prepare meal for her family by frying chicken. She has to dry the baby. But babies are not the only ones to look after she has a whole family to look after. Then, she has to clean weed her garden to make it look beautiful. In short, life of a house wife is not an easy one rather it is full of dull routines.

Stanza 3: 3:

I’ve got the shirts to press The tots to dress The cane to be cut I got to clean up this hut.

Meanings of difficult words: words:

Tots---‫ہ‬4 ‫ ﭨ‬, Cane---‫ء‬TU،
‫!ﭨ‬.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poetess shows light on some the works a woman has to do in her daily life. She says that a woman has to do a lot of work in a day. The working woman says that she has iron the clothes and then dress her small children for school. To add her miseries she has cut the cane and

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to clean her hut to look it beautiful. In short, life of a house wife is not an easy one rather it is full of dull routines.

Stanza 4:

Shine on me, sunshine Rain on me, rain Fall softly, dewdrops And cool my brow again.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife, while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman. After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her life. For this she wishes for sunshine and rain. She asks dew drops to fall on her and cool her eye brow.

Stanza 5: 5:

Storm, blow me from here With your fiercest wind Let me float across the sky Till I can can rest again.

Meanings of difficult words: words:

Blow--- ( ‫ﮨا‬, Fiercest---),‫ و‬,, Float---,.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife, while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman. After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her life. She asks wind storms to float across the sky and take her away from this dull life to a world where she may get some rest and peace. In fact, she wants to run away from this dull and drab life through her imagination.

Stanza 6: 6:

Fall gently, snow flakes Cover me with white Cold icy kisses and Let me rest tonight.

Meanings of difficult words: words: Snow flakes---‫ﮯ‬/ ‫ف (ﮯ‬4.

Reference to the Context: Context:

10

Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife, while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman. After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her life. In these lines, she asks snow flakes to fall on her and cover her all over. She wants to feel the cold of these flakes. In the last line, she again shows her desire of taking rest. This desire clearly throws light on her miserable life.

Stanza 7: 7:

Sun, rain, curving sky Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone Star shine, moon glow You’re all that I can call my own.

Meanings of difficult difficult words: words:

Moon glow---
 
( .

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife, while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman. After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her life. She wants to call and wants to be among the snowy mountains, glittering sky, vast oceans, sparkling stars and other objects of nature. She hopes that these objects of nature will bring happiness in her dismal life.

5- The Rebel By

D.J. Enright

Stanza 1: 1:

When everybody has short hair, The rebel lets his hair grow long, When everybody has long hair, The rebel cuts his hair short.

11

Reference: Reference: Context: Context:

These lines have been taken from the poem “The Rebel” written by “D.J. Enright” Enright”.

In this poem, the poet tells us about the funny behaviour of in a humorous manner. A rebel tries to be different from others. He acts against the old traditions and customs of the society. Actually, such persons want to become prominent among the people and for that he adopts funny ways.

Explanation Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that when there is a fashion of short hair, the rebel likes to have long hair. But, when the people like to have long hair, a rebel prefers to have short hair. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 2: 2:

When everybody talks during the lesson, The rebel doesn’t say a word. When nobody talks during the lesson, lesson, The rebel creates a disturbance.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that he talks during the lesson when others are quite and remain dumb when others are busy in conversation. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 3: 3:

When everybody wears a uniform, uniform, The rebel dresses in fantastic clothes. When everybody wears fantastic clothes The rebel dresses soberly.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that he dresses in colourful clothes when others wear simple clothes and wears simple clothes on joyful occasion. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 4: 4:

12

In the company of dog lovers, The rebel expresses a preference for cats. In the company of cat lovers, The rebel puts a good word for dogs.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that he starts loving cats in the presence of dog lovers and talks about dogs when people appreciate cats. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 5: 5:

When everybody is praising the sun, The rebel remarks on the need for rain. When everybody is greeting the rain, The rebel regrets the absence of sun.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that when everybody wishes for sun, he prays for rain, but feels sad at the absence of sun on a rainy day. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 6: 6:

When everybody goes to the meeting The rebel stays at home and reads a book, When everybody stays at home and reads a book, The rebel goes to the meeting.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that when people enjoys meeting, he prefers to remain at home and reads a book. But leaves home on seeing others staying indoor and reading books. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 7: 7:

When everybody everybody says, Yes please!

13

The rebel says, No thank you. When everybody says; No thank you, The rebel says, Yes please!

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. The poet says that when others say ‘Yes’, he says ‘No’, but says ‘Yes’ when others ‘No’. In short, he wants to reject all the words and deeds of normal people to show himself different and prominent.

Stanza 8: 8:

It is good that we have rebels You may not find it very good to be one.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes the strange and funny attitude of a rebel in a delightful manner. He amuses us by explaining various odd and awkward habits of a rebel. He says that a rebel always go against the acts of normal people. In these ending lines of the poem the poet says that it is a good thing that we have rebels in our society because they provide variety in life. But, at the same time he reminds us that we should not be one of such creature.

Patriot into Traitor By

Robert Browning

Stanza Stanza 1: 1:

It was roses, roses, all the way, With myrtle mixed in my path like mad The househouse-roof seemed to heave and away, The churchchurch-spires flamed, such flags they had, A year ago this very day.

Meanings of difficult words: words:

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Myrtle--- V،8 ‫ﮩ‬, Heave--- ‫او اﭨ‬, Sway--- ‫ﮨ‬،  ,Church-spires--- ( >  ‫چ (ﮯ‬ ‫ہ‬TV !‫اووا‬.

Reference: Reference: Browning” Browning”.

These lines have been taken from the poem “Patriot into Traitor” written by “Robert

Context: Context:

This poem is a fantastic monologue. In this poem, he has tried to show the tragic circumstances of a great political hero. This hero was once worshiped as demi-god by the people. But due to some political revolution, he is now considered as a traitor.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines the political hero describes the scene of his welcome a year ago. He says that when a year ago he entered the city people decorated and filled his path with roses and myrtle. There was a great crowd of people on the roofs of the houses who want to have a glance of him. The people were so much in number that it looks as the roofs were breathing and shaking. The people were carrying colourful flags that were standing tall as church spires. These flags swung like flames. But, this all happened a year ago and now the time for political hero has changed.

Stanza 2: 2

The air broke into a mist with bells, The old walls rocked with the crowd and cries. Had I said, ‘Good folk, mere noise repels– repels– But give me your sun from yonder skies? They had answered: answered: And afterward, what else?

Meanings of difficult words: words:

Mist--- ‫ده‬،‫(ﮩ‬, Rock---  ، ‫ﮨ‬, Folk---‫گ‬/, Repel---‫دور ﮨﭩ‬, Yonder---( ‫ ﮯ‬%،( ‫ﮯ‬1.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines the political hero describes how people welcome him a year ago. He says that people rang bells in so much that the air broke into mist. It looked as the walls of city were swinging with the voices and cries of the people. He says that people were ready to do anything for him. If he had asked to bring son from the sky they would have brought it. This was not enough then they would have asked him, “what more they can do for him”. But, this all happened a year ago and now the time for political hero has changed.

Stanza 3: 3:

Alack, it was I who leaped at the sun To give it to my loving friends to keep Naught man could do, have I felt undone; And you see my harvest, what I reap This very day, now a year is run.

Meanings of difficult words: words:

Alack---‫س‬5‫ا‬, Naught---‫( ہ ﮩﮟ‬, Harvest--- ‫ (ﭨ‬T, Undone---‫>ﮦ ﮨ‬,.

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Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the hero shows his sadness on his miserable plight after one year. He says that he did great works for the people. He even did such a kind of works that no other could do. But, alas, he trusted his friends, which was his fault. He is sure that he does not deserve all what is now happening with him after one year time.

Stanza 4: 4:

There’s nobody on the househouse-tops now– now– Just a palsied few at the windows set; For the best of the sight is, all allow, At the shambles Gate-Gate--or, --or, better yet, By the very scaffold’s foot, I trow.

Meanings of difficult words: words:

Palsied---Z4 ‫ﮯ‬4 ‫[راور‬4, Shambles gate---‫ن ﮦ‬4E, Scaffold’s foot---‫
ٹ‬5 , Trow--- ‫>ر‬JU‫ا‬ ( ‫*ل‬،(.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the hero of the poem describes his bad conditions after passing of one year. He says that now there are no people on house tops to welcome him. There are only few weak, sick and tired people, sitting in the windows. But, they are not here to greet him; they are sitting here to witness his tragic end. He is being taken to scaffold’s foot for hanging. So the scene has changed with in only one year.

Stanza 5: 5:

In go in the rain, and more than meeds, A rope cuts both my wrists behind; And I think, by the feel my fore head bleeds For they fling, whoever has a mind, Stones at me for my year’s misdeeds.

Meanings of difficult words: words: Fling---   ‫ﮯ‬%‫زور‬.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the hero of the poem describes his bad condition after passing of one year. He says that he has been arrested for his so called misdeeds of last year. He is being dragged in rain. His hands are roped behind and his wrists are bleeding. He feels that his forehead is bleeding, as everyone is throwing stones at him. In short, the hero is really in a miserable condition with in a year.

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Stanza 6: 6:

Thus I entered, and thus I go In triumph, people have dropped down dead. ‘Paid by the world, what dost thou owe Me?’-Me?’--God --God might question; now instead, ‘Tis God shall repay: I am safer so.

Meaning of difficult words: words:

Triumph---]J،#, What dost thou owe me---‫ ﮨں‬J %( ( ‫ﮯ‬/ ‫پ (ﮯ‬1 ‫ﮟ‬, Tis---‫ہ‬.

Reference to the Context: Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, the hero of the poem describes his bad condition after passing of one year. He says that the people often are killed when they are in power. He also wishes that he would also have killed when he was in power. Then he would not have to bear this insult. However, he shows some hope. He thought, though he has met a tragic end in this world, he will definitely be rewarded by God in the next world, for his services during his political career. Therefore, he feels safer after all the sufferings of his life.

The Huntsman By

Edward Lowbury

Stanza 1:

Kagwa hunted the lion. Through bush and forest went his spear. One day he found the skull of a man And said to it, “How did you come here”? The skull opened its mouth and said ‘Talking brought me here’. here’.

Meanings of difficult words:

Spear---‫)ﮦ‬, Skull---8‫( ﮍ‬.

Reference: Lowbury” Lowbury”.

Context:

These lines have been taken from the poem “The Huntsman” written by “Edward

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This poem is actually story of a huntsman, who falls a victim of his own foolishness. He finds a talking skull in the forest and without knowing its reality discloses this fact to the king. In the result of which, he has to face the most uncertain circumstance of his life.

Explanation: This poem is a fine example of Kenyan folk lore. Kagwa was a hunter. He used to hunt lions with his spear in the forest. One day, when he was wandering through bushes and trees, he finds a talking skull of a man. He asked the skull, how it came here. The skull answered him that talking brought him here. These are opening lines of the poem and set a tragic background of huntsman’s story.

Stanza 2:

Kagwa buried home; Went to the King’s chair and spoke; ‘In the forest I found a talking skull’. The king was silent. Then he said slowly ‘Never since I was born of my mother Have I seen or heard of a skull which spoke’.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: When Kagwa found a talking skull in the forest, he at once went to the court of the king to tell him about it. He told the king that he had found a skull in the forest that can speak. On hearing this, the king first struck silent. Then he spoke slowly that he has never seen or heard about such a skull since his birth.

Stanza 3:

The king called out his guards ‘Two of you go with him And find the talking skull; But if his tale is a lie And the skull speaks no word, This Kagwa himself himself must die’.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: When Kagwa told the king about the talking skull, he decided to know reality. He asked his two guards to go with Kagwa and find the talking skull. But at the same time the king ordered his guards to go with Kagwa and find the truth ness of his story. He also said to them that if they did not find such a skull or the skull did not speak a word, they must kill Kagwa. From here onwards the real misfortune of Kagwa started.

Stanza 4:

They They rode into the forest; For days and nights they found nothing

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At last they saw the skull; Kagwa Said to it: How did you come here? The skull said nothing Kagwa implored, But the skull said nothing.

Meanings of difficult words: Implore---

.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: When Kagwa tells the king about the skull, he sent two of his guards with Kagwa to know the reality of his story. They all rode on horses and went to forests. For many days and nights they wandered in the forest but could not find the desired skull. But, at last, they find the skull. Kagwa rushed towards the skull and asked the same question to him ‘How did you come to there’? But to the astonishment of Kagwa the skull kept silent and spoke nothing. This made the huntsman astonished and worried. Hence, he requested the skull to speak again and again, but the skull did not utter a single word.

Stanza 5:

The guards said ‘Kneel down’ They killed him with sword and spear Then the skull opened its mouth; ‘Huntsman, how did you come here? And the dead man answered: ‘Talking brought me here’.

Meaning of difficult words: Kneel down---

.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: When the skull did not utter a single word after constant request of Kagwa, the guards got ready to execute the orders of the king. They asked Kagwa to bend down and killed him with their sword and spear. But, as soon as, Kagwa died the skull started speaking. It asked Kagwa, “How did you come here”. Now after being killed Kagwa came to know the reality of these words spoken by the skull in their first meeting. Kagwa, now, answered, it was talking that brought him here.

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8- One Art By

Elizabeth Bishop

Stanza 1:

The art of losing is not hard hard to master; So many things seen filled with the intent To be lost that their loss is not disaster

Meanings of difficult words:

Intent---  ‫رزو‬1, Disaster---#1،
‫>ﮨ‬,.

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “One Art” written by “Elizabeth Bishop”.

Context:

In this poem the poet gives us a lesson of contentment and patience, which is very essential for human life. In her views, the modern world is full of sorrows and miseries. As a result man is living a sorrowful life. In order to live a happy life, he has to become expert in the art of losing.

Explanation: In these lines the poetess gives us an important message that is directly related with human life. The message is that a man should not feel sorry or sad over losses of some ordinary things. Things come and go but the most important thing is human life. The loss of common things does not bring disaster in human life. To make life happy we should endure their loss and it is not hard to learn the art of losing.

Stanza 2:

Lose something everyday. Accept the fluster Of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. The art of losing is not hard to master. Meanings of difficult words: words: Fluster---
.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines the poetess gives us an important message that is directly related with human life. The message is that a man should not feel sorry or sad over losses of some ordinary things. She says that one should have the courage to bear the loss of door keys or a badly spent hour. Their loss

20

causes problem for a moment not for whole life. She says to master in the art of losing lose something everyday and it is not hard to master in the art of losing.

Stanza 3:

Then practice losing farther, losing faster; Places and names and where it was you went. To travel. None of these will bring disaster Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet suggests us the way to become expert in the field of losing. She says that in order to become master in this field try to lose more and quickly. This will make you able to bear the loss of anything. Sometimes, we forget the names of some persons or names of some places we have visited. But, it is a fact that forgetting of these things does not bring any disaster in life. Hence, the art of losing make us bear the loss of all these things with courage.

Stanza 4:

I lost my mother’s watch. And look; my last, or NextNext-toto-last, last, of three loved houses went. The art of losing isn’t hard to master

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, with the help of some examples, the poet tries to tell us that it is not difficult to be master in the art of losing. She tells us that once she lost her mother’s watch. Then, she had three beautiful houses which were very dear to her. I lost them also. But the life went on and on. It did not bring any kind of disaster in her life. Hence, if we try it is not hard to become expert in the field of losing and this will make our life easy.

Stanza 5:

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster, Some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent. I miss miss them but it it wasn’t a disaster.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Explanation: In these lines, with the help of some examples, the poet tries to tell us that it is not difficult to be master in the art of losing. She says that even the loss of some big things does not bring any kind of disaster in life. She gives the example of losing her two beautiful cities. Then she says that she lost some things bigger than that. She lost a realm which was her. Then she lost two rivers and even a continent. But, the loss of even these things did not bring any kind of disaster in her life. Life goes on and on.

Stanza 6:

Even losing (the joking voice, a gesture

21

I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident The art of losing’s not too hard to master Though it may look like (Write it) like disaster.

Meanings of difficult words:

Gesture---( ‫ت ( ا`ﮩر‬4  ‫
*ل‬5( ‫(ت‬V
( A5  ‫ ں‬,‫ﮨ‬.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, with the help of some examples, the poet tries to tell us that it is not difficult to be master in the art of losing. She addresses to her friend and she says that she likes her joking voice and his gesture. But she is not going to tell a lie. She will even bear his loss also. Actually, with this example she tries to tell us that though it is hard to bear the loss of some near and dear one. But it is also a fact that we have to bear this disaster also. It is not hard to master in the art of losing.

9- The Solitary Reaper By

William Wordsworth

Stanza 1:

Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland lass; Reaping and singing singing by herself; Stop here, or gently pass.

Meanings of difficult words:

Behold--- ‫د‬, Yon---‫ف‬a%‫ا‬،‫وﮦ‬, Highland---8‫ﮩڑ‬, Lass---‫ = ﮦ‬8‫ =د‬b, Reap--- ‫ (ﭨ‬T

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem “The Solitary Reaper” written by “William

Wordsworth”.

Context:

Words worth is called the poet of nature. He finds a joy in every object of nature. In this poem, he describes a very pleasant incident of seeing a beautiful girl, while his visit to Scotland. It gave him unlimited joy. Actually, the girl of this poem is a part of nature and so she becomes a source of joy for him.

Explanation:

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In these lines, the poet tells us about a beautiful girl. She is singing a sweet song, while working in corn field. He asks the passer-bys to look at that beautiful young girl. She is working alone in the fields and is singing a song. He asks them to stop for a while or pass by gently without disturbing her. Actually, the song of that girl was so enchanting that the poet does not anyone to disturb her.

Stanza 2: 2: Alone she cuts and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain; O listen; for the Vale profound Is overwhelming with the sound.

Meanings of difficult words: Melancholy strain---# ‫دﮦ‬5‫ا‬, Vale---‫ (ﮦ‬7‫دا‬،8‫واد‬, profound---‫ﮩا‬،[ , overwhelming---

 ‫ ﮨ‬8‫و‬V ‫ح‬: 8‫ر‬، V ‫ﮯ‬4

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet tells us something more about the working of girl and her song. He says that the girl was working alone in the field. She was alone cutting and binding the grain. But, during her work she was singing a sad song. The sound of her song filled the whole valley. It appeared as if the sound was overflowing the valley.

Stanza 3:

No nightingale nightingale did ever chaunt More welcome notes to weary bands Of travell travellers in some shady haunt Among Arabian sands;

Meanings of difficult words:

Nightingale--->4, Chaunt---#،‫[ہ‬c, Notes---‫واز‬1 8 4
d%, Weary---‫ ﮯ ﮨٔے‬,, haunt--‫ ٔے‬e(‫
ہ ﮩں ا‬5‫ا‬.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet declared the voice of the girl sweeter than even the voice of a nightingale. He says that the even no nightingale would have sung so sweetly to welcome a weary travels in Arabian sands as sweetly the girl was singing. Actually, the mentioning of Arabian deserts gives a romantic touch to these lines.

Stanza 4:

A voice so thrilling thrilling nev’r was heard In spring– spring–time from the CuckooCuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides.

Meanings of difficult words:

23

Thrilling---)* ‫ن‬3‫ﮨ‬, Cuckoo---ٔ(, Farthest---‫ دور(ﮯ‬#‫ﮩ‬4, Hebrides---‫)و( وﮦ‬.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet compares the singing of the girl with the singing of a cuckoo. He says that the cuckoo’s singing in spring disturbs pleasantly the silence of far-off islands like Hebrides. But, he opines that the voice of girl is more thrilling and enchanting even than the voice of cuckoo bird. In short, the poet wants to say that the girl was singing in a beautifully than the singing birds like cuckoo and nightingale.

Stanza 5:

Will no one tell me what she sings? Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, farfar-off things, And battles long ago.

Meanings of difficult words:

Plaintive---%.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Here in these lines, the poet compares sleep with physical forest. A forest has huge trees like towers with unaccountable leaves. These trees are covered with layers of layers of leaves one upon another. In the same way, the sleep overcome man layer over layer. When sleep overcomes man, silence prevails over him. Man has to yield every command of sleep. When a man enters a thick

38

forest he loses his way. In the same way, when man enters into sleep he loses his way and remains wandering in this forest of sleep till morning.

1515- After AppleApple-Picking By

Robert Frost

Stanza 1:

My long twotwo-pointed ladders sticking through a tree Towards heaven still, And there’s barrel that I didn’t didn’t fill Beside it, and thee may be two or three Apples I didn’t pick upon some bough But I am done with appleapple-picking now.

Meanings of difficult words:

Barrel---7,4 ‫ (ل‬8‫ ﮍ‬/.

Reference:

These lines have been taken form the poem “After apple picking” picking” written by “Robert Frost”.

Context:

In this poem, the poet compares the process of apple picking with the tiring work of this world. Perhaps, we all are busy in our works and are trying hard to survive in this world. But, even then we have to accept the inevitable death. We have no alternative but to leave everything aside for this reality.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet introduces himself as an apple picker. He has been working in his apple orchard for a long time. He is filling barrels after barrels. He has picked a lot of apple but many are still to be picked. But now he is feeling tired and wants to have some rest. Actually, the poet wants to say that when man becomes tired then he wants to take some rest, leaving behind all his works.

Stanza Stanza 2:

Essence of winter sleep is on the night, The scent of apples: I am drowsing off. I cannot rub the strangeness from my sight I got from looking through a pane of glass

39

I skimmed this morning from the drinking trough And I held against the world world of hoary grass It melted, and I let it fall and break. But I was well Upon my way to sleep before it fell, And I could tell

Meanings of difficult words:

Essence---) 8ٔ‫
ﮨ‬/  ‫ﮯ‬%)
5(،>=*, drowsing off--- ‫او‬, pane---‫( ﮍ(
( =ہ‬, skim--‫ ﮦ‬pppppp‫ﭨ‬, trough---7,4 (
 ( ‫روں (ﮯ 
 ﮯ  رﮦ‬, hoary---
( H‫
ر‬%.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet gives a pictorial description of the garden where he is working. He says that smell of apples creates such an effect on him that he starts dozing. Although, he has not completed his work, yet he cannot escape from the captivating smell of apples. There was a long open box of drinking water for animals in the garden. The water in it had a frozen ice. The poet removed a sheet of ice from it in the morning and held it before him. Through this sheet of ice he looked at the white snow covered grass. The poet was sleepy as the sheet of ice was falling form his hands.

Stanza 3:

What from my dreaming was about to take Magnified apples appear and disappear, Stem end and blossom end, And every fleck of russet showing clear. My instep arch not only keeps the arch; It keeps the pressure of ladderladder-round I feel the ladder sway as the boughs bend. And I keep hearing from the cellar bin The rumbling sound Of load on load of apples coming in.

Meanings of difficult words:

Magnified---‫ﮍے ﮨٔے‬4 ‫ٔ) ﮟ‬%, blossom end---‫ﮯ ﮨﮟ‬J/ ‫ﮯ ﮩں  ل‬TV ‫ں (ﮯ‬J*‫در‬, fleck--‫ ﭨده>ہ‬, russet---H‫أون ر‬4 ‫خ‬%, instep---‫ہ‬TV ( ‫ٔوں ( ا ر‬, sway--- / , cellar--- ‫=اب ذ*ﮦ‬ ‫(ﮯ وا! ز زﮟ ([ﮦ‬, bin---‫ﭩر‬%, rumbling sound---‫واز‬1
( ‫ﮍ( ﮍاﮯ‬/ ‫
) (ﮯ‬5(

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: Here in these lines, the poet describes his dreams while he is half sleep. The apples appear before him in large size and disappear. The trees, from the roots up to the branches giving flowers of the fruit, appear. The reddish brown colour of apples becomes clearly visible to the poet. Still standing on the ladder, his instep is keeping the ladder in balancing. But the branches of the tree

40

have started shaking. The dream of the poet continues and he hears the rolling sound of apples stored in the cellar, as their huge loads arrive.

Stanza 4:

For I have had too much Of appleapple-picking; I am overtired Of the great harvest I myself desired. There were ten thousand thousand fruit to touch, Cherish in hand, left down and not let fall For all That struck the earth No matter if not bruised or spiked with stubble, Went surely to the cidercider-apple heap As of no worth.

Meanings of difficult words:

Cherish---o‫ (ﮯ (
*اﮨ‬MV ‫زدﮦ‬, bruised---‫ ﮨا‬+(, spiked---( ‫ﭨ ﮍے‬, stubble--- ‫دے‬ ‫(ﮯ ( رے‬, cider---7
( ‫ ﮯ‬/  ‫س‬

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: In these lines, the poet explains that he has tired from apple picking. Still, there are thousands of apples on the trees and he wants to pluck all these apples with his own hands. He knows that all those apples that fell down and hit the ground, will surely become useless for storage. These spoiled apples will then be crushed for juice in the machine.

Stanza 5:

One can see what will trouble This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is, Were he no gone, The woodchuck could say whether it’s like his Longs sleep, as I describedescribe-its coming on Of just some human sleep.

Meanings of difficult words:

Woodchuck---‫ ر‬F‫ح ( ا‬:
( 8‫ﮩ‬.

Reference to the Context: Same as above.

Explanation: These are ending lines of the poem. The poet says that who wants to sleep is well aware what will disturb his sleep. Apart forms that, he wants to know what kind of sleep he is having. He says woodchuck could tell it easily about it. But that animal has gone. Now poet does not say surely whether his sleep will be like that of woodchuck or just a normal sleep for a few hours. He cannot also say whether it will be ordinary human sleep or the sleep of death. Here, in these lines the poet

41

ends his poem with these thoughts that all our activities ends in sleep. Death is also an sleep that ends our tiresome journey of life.