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Leisure – A short poem lamenting busyness, by William Henry Davies

 

Blog Post by John Callister

I love the landscape of County Down in Northern Ireland. One of my favourite places is the Dromara Hills. On a summer evening, the light on the landscape can be magical. That’s why I never go there without a camera. Just to capture something of the beauty of the place is very refreshing. It’s so peaceful that for a while one can forget all about problems and just breathe in the healing atmosphere. 

Photo John Callister. Dree Hill, County Down Northern Ireland
Photo John Callister. Dree Hill, County Down Northern Ireland

 

And of course there are animals there too; mainly sheep and cows. Walk down the road and they’ll just stand and stare at anyone passing by. I shouldn’t admit this, but sometimes I’ll greet them out loud. “Hello lads! Great evening. Are you doing okay?”  They’ll just stand still and stare. But I reckon they get the message okay.  I’m  passing on a greeting with  goodwill, in harmony with the tranquility of their place of abode. Hopefully they’re totally aware this.

 

Photo John Callister. Dree Hill, County Down Northern Ireland
Photo John Callister. Dree Hill, County Down Northern Ireland
 
When I captured two of the sheep standing staring, it reminded me of a poem that points to ’staring’ as a perfectly reasonable, even desirable pastime. The poem suggests life can become too busy, too full of cares and anxieties, too frenetic; causing us to miss out on some of natures peaceful gifts to us. And I’m sure the poet is right. There is always an alternative focus. Even during the height of our troubles in Northern Ireland, many of us wouldn’t have survived without a countryside with mountains and hills, or a beach by the seaside with the sound of rolling waves. 
 
Here’s are the words:
 
Leisure: by William Henry Davies
 
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. 
 
 
From time to time we all need to take refuge from the busyness of life and find a peaceful setting where we can slow down, and, as the poet suggests  – take time to stare. It’s in these settings we can put problems in perspective and set conflict aside as we allow nature to convey God’s gift of peace to us. That atmosphere can breathe new life into us, recharge our energy, and somehow renew our spirits in a way that helps us live life in a purposeful, satisfied way, and where love and goodwill are nurtured within us. It may be ironic that Northern Ireland, with its reputation as a land that has endured so much conflict and bitterness, is also a land that holds a healing remedy for those conditions in abundance.
Leisure, by William Henry Davies. A short poem lamenting busyness, narrated by John Callister

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