This is a short poem from your Class 10 English book First Flight. It is by Walt Whitman and comes in Chapter 7. The poem talks about why animals are better than people in some ways. It makes you think about being happy with what you have. I will explain it all in easy words, like sharing a fun story with a friend. Let's go step by step.
About the Author
Walt Whitman was born in 1819 in America and lived until 1892. He is called the father of free verse poems – that means poems without strict rules or rhymes, like talking freely. His big book of poems is called Leaves of Grass. In it, he writes about nature, freedom, and normal people. He loved watching animals and the wild world. Whitman worked as a teacher and nurse too. His words make you feel proud of simple things in life.
What’s the Story About?
This is not a long story with heroes and fights. It is a poem where the poet shares his thoughts like chatting with you. He sits quietly and watches animals. They look calm and happy, with wet noses shining and eyes that sparkle. Animals don't get upset or sad like people do. They don't bow down to anyone or cry about small problems.
The poet says, "I think I could turn and live with animals." Why? Because animals are honest. They don't fight over money or power. They don't lie or show off. Long ago, people were like animals – simple and content. But now, humans chase shiny things and forget who they really are. The poet feels animals hold on to good qualities that we lost, like peace and truth.
Imagine you are in a zoo or farm. The poet points to a cow munching grass without worry, or a dog wagging its tail just to be happy. He wishes he could join them because they don't have our big headaches. The poem is short but makes you smile and think: Why can't we be more like them?
Who’s Who in the Story
This poem does not have many named people or animals. It is more about feelings. Here are the main ones:
- The Poet (Speaker): This is Walt Whitman himself, talking to us. He is like a wise uncle who loves nature. He watches animals and shares why he admires them.
- Animals: Not one special animal, but all of them – cows, dogs, birds, and more. They are calm friends who teach us to be happy.
- Humans (Us): We are not named, but the poet talks about people like you and me. We run after things that make us worried, unlike animals.
Themes and Moral
The poem has simple big ideas that stick in your mind:
- Love for Animals: It shows animals as perfect teachers. They are peaceful and true, without fake smiles or fights.
- Human Problems: People forget to be happy with little things. We want more and more, which makes us sad.
- Back to Basics: The poem says go back to simple life, like animals do.
Moral: Be happy with what you have. Don't chase things that don't matter. Learn from animals to stay calm and honest. It will make your heart light!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some easy words and lines from the poem. I explained them like telling a secret to a buddy. Use them in your talks!
- Tokens: Small signs or proofs of something. (Like a flower you pick to show you care.)
- Sly: Sneaky or clever in a quiet way. (Like a cat hiding to surprise you with a jump.)
- Content: Happy with what you have, no wishes for more. (Like eating your favorite roti and feeling full and glad.)
- Expressiveness: Showing feelings openly with eyes or face. (Like a puppy's big eyes saying "play with me!")
- Turn and live with: To leave your old way and join something better. (Like quitting games to go play outside with friends.)
- Not one is respectable: No one is better than the rest. (All animals are equal and cool, no bossy ones.)
- They lie around: Rest lazily without worry. (Like a lazy dog on the mat, snoring happily.)
Try saying: "Animals are so content, not like us who are always sly about wants." It will help you remember the poem. Keep reading and thinking – you will love it!