This is a fun poem from Class 10 English "First Flight" textbook. It is Chapter 4. The poem teaches how to know different wild animals in a funny way. Let’s learn step by step!
About the Author
The poem is written by Carolyn Wells. She was an American writer born in 1862. She wrote many funny poems, stories, and books for children. She liked to make people laugh with her words. She passed away in 1942. Her poems are simple and full of jokes.
What’s the Story About?
This is not a story. It is a funny poem. The poet tells us how to know wild animals if we meet them in the jungle. But she says it in a silly way!
Here is the poem in very simple words:
- Asian Lion: If a big animal roars at you and you are in the east, it is an Asian Lion. Run fast!
- Bengal Tiger: If you see a big cat with black stripes on yellow body, it is a Bengal Tiger. It will eat you in one bite!
- Leopard: This cat has spots all over. If it jumps on you again and again, it is a Leopard. You can’t hide!
- Bear: If an animal hugs you very tight, don’t think it loves you. It is a Bear! It gives a bear hug to kill!
- Hyena: This animal always smiles. Yes, it looks happy all the time. That is a Hyena.
- Crocodile: It lives in water. It cries big tears but don’t feel sad for it. It will eat you soon!
- Chameleon: This is a small lizard. It changes colour to match the wall or tree. If you see nothing on a tree, look again – a Chameleon is there!
The poem is funny because it says dangerous things in a light way. It teaches animal names but makes us laugh!
Who’s Who in the Story
There is no real person in the poem. Only animals! Here they are:
- Asian Lion – Big cat, roars loud, lives in Asia.
- Bengal Tiger – Yellow with black stripes, very strong.
- Leopard – Spotted cat, jumps fast.
- Bear – Big, gives tight hugs (dangerous!).
- Hyena – Looks like it is always smiling.
- Crocodile – Lives in water, cries fake tears.
- Chameleon – Small lizard, changes colour.
The poet talks to “you” – that means any person who meets these animals.
Themes and Moral
Themes
- Learning with Fun: We learn about animals in a funny way.
- Nature and Animals: The poem shows different wild animals and their looks.
- Humor: Everything is said in a joke way, not scary.
Moral
- Laugh and Learn: You can learn hard things if they are fun.
- Be Careful in Jungle: Wild animals are dangerous, even if they look funny or cry.
- Look Closely: Like the chameleon, some things hide – so watch carefully!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are easy words from the poem with simple meanings:
- Wild – Animals that live in jungle, not pets. Example: Tiger is wild.
- Roar – Loud sound like a lion. Example: The lion says “Roaarrr!”
- Noble – Great or royal. Example: Lion is called noble beast.
- Beast – Big wild animal. Example: Tiger is a beast.
- Stripes – Lines on body. Example: Tiger has black stripes.
- Spots – Small round marks. Example: Leopard has black spots.
- Pounce – Jump suddenly to catch. Example: Leopard will pounce on you.
- Hug – Put arms around tight. Example: Bear hugs to kill.
- Smile – Happy face. Example: Hyena always smiles.
- Tears – Water from eyes. Example: Crocodile cries but is not sad.
- Weep – Cry. Example: Crocodile weeps to trick you.
- Lizard – Small crawling animal. Example: Chameleon is a lizard.
- Colour – Like red, green. Example: Chameleon changes colour.
Now you can read the poem and laugh while learning!