Last weekend, I went to the Blue Mountains for a short break from my semi-confined city life.
On the way to Blackheath, I stopped in the botanic garden of Mount Tomah, which I had never had a chance to visit yet.
The timing was wonderful, with the Australian spring at full strength and all sorts of flowers and essences blossoming around the green slopes.
I enjoyed reconnecting with nature, taking my time to stroll under the tall trees and between the fragrant bushes.
It was also when cicadas chose to pop out of their chrysalides and start fretting their wings around to produce the marvellous sound of a blessed sunny day. This interlude reminded me of a lovely poem I last read in high school: A very circumstantial one and an invitation for anyone to take the time to stand and stare …
Here go the beautiful verses of William Henry Davies. Make sure to read them a few times!
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 if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
William Henry Davies
Source: https://englishverse.com/poems/leisure
