Poetry Friday

is being hosted today at the delightful Miss Rumphius Effect.

Tricia says:

This blog is named for Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. (You can learn why I chose this name here.) Since the anniversary of Barbara Cooney's birthday is approaching, I thought it appropriate to make today's entry about lupins and other beautiful flowers.

From a fellow Miss Rumphius and Barbara Cooney fan (and one who can appreciate a good Monty Python skit about lupins at that), I give you my Poetry Friday selection: Leisure, by William H. Davies.

Leisure

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.

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

~~ William Henry Davies

Find the complete Poetry Friday round-up here.