William Henry Davies Poems

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
...

When I had money, money, O!
I knew no joy till I went poor;
For many a false man as a friend
Came knocking all day at my door.
...

I hear leaves drinking rain;
I hear rich leaves on top
Giving the poor beneath
Drop after drop;
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When April scatters charms of primrose gold
Among the copper leaves in thickets old,
And singing skylarks from the meadows rise,
To twinkle like black stars in sunny skies;
...

No idle gold -- since this fine sun, my friend,
Is no mean miser, but doth freely spend.

No prescious stones -- since these green mornings show,
...

She walks as lightly as the fly
Skates on the water in July.

To hear her moving petticoat
...

Now, joy is born of parents poor,
And pleasure of our richer kind;
Though pleasure's free, she cannot sing
As sweet a song as joy confined.
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It was the Rainbow gave thee birth,
And left thee all her lovely hues;
And, as her mother’s name was Tears,
So runs it in my blood to choose
...

Now shall I walk
Or shall I ride?
"Ride", Pleasure said;
"Walk", Joy replied.
...

If I were gusty April now,
How I would blow at laughing Rose;
I'd make her ribbons slip their knots,
And all her hair come loose.
...