THE RAIN | POEM | EXPLANATION WITH REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT | F.A, ICMA, IC, F.SC | FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

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Stanza No.1

I hear leaves drinking rain;

I hear rich leaves on top

Giving the poor beneath

Drop after drop;

"Tis These a sweet noise to hear

These green leaves drinking near.

Reference:

These verses have been taken from the poem “The Rain” written by W.H. Davies.

Context:

In this poem, the poet portrays the scenery of a rainy day. The rain beautifies the entire atmosphere and falls drop after the drop on the lush green leaves of the tree. But this romantic and natural scene is not to be enjoyed by the poor, who are shelterless, and thus cannot admire and enjoy the beauty and music of rain. Rain appears as a hindrance in their daily routines and them a tough time and they have no alternative except to suffer in the wet cold weather. To escape from the coming deluge, he seeks shelter under trees, which doesn't serve as a perfect shelter. However, the scene of the sunshine after the rain symbolizes hope and happiness for the poor.

Explanation:

In this stanza, the poet describes the fresh serene, and musical ether created by rain. When it rains, the poet observes the tree leaves sipping rainwater and giving a captivating melody. The leaves after rain can be seen fresh and full of water. This natural melody is sweet, pleasant, and worth listening to.

“Some people feel the rain.

others just get wet....”

Despite its pleasantness, it is not fruitful or enjoyable for the poor and the penniless. The rich leaves drink water first and then give it to the poor leaves. Rich leaves symbolize rich people and poor leaves symbolize poor people. The rich class grabs the economic sources of the country at first and then gives them to the poor drop after drop.

The poor have no other shelter or choice except the tree. In this cold wet world, the sufferings of poor are the as countless or limitless as the raindrops, which fall drop after drop.  As Shakespeare remarked:

“When sorrows come, they,

 come not single spies,

 But in battalions.”

The greatest enemy to the man, who has to carry on his body, his entire wardrobe, is rain. As long as the sun shines, he is indifferent, but if he is caught in a wet condition after sunset, he is to be pitied this unsettled feeling is often made worse by an empty stomach.

“Life is indeed a pleasant road

To those whom fortune blesses;

But ‘tis a thorny path to those

Whom poverty oppresses.”

Stanza No. 2

And when the Sun comes out,

After this rain shall stop,

A wondrous light will fill

Each dark, round drop;

I hope the Sun shines bright;

“It will be a lovely sight.

Explanation:

In these cantos, the poet comments that sunlight will brighten the whole atmosphere after the rain is stopped. The sun gleams with full charm and gives a new look to all things. The other side of the melancholy picture is always bright. Each dark cloud has a silver lining, and there are always roses after rain. Here in the verses sunshine is the symbol and gleam of hope for the poor in the dead, dark and cold. world of uncountable sufferings. The sufferings may stay a little longer, yet not forever. Human life is a pendulum between smiles and tears; he has to endure suffering and dejection for any excuse.

The poet encourages the poor to keep up hope and happiness through the imagery of bright sunshine, which injects a new spiritual life into every creature.

In this regard, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has beautifully remarked in his poem- An April Day:

“Be still, sad heart, and cease. Repining;

Behind the clouds the sun is shining;

Thy fate is the common fate of all,

Into each life, some rain must, fall,

Some days must be dark and dreary.”

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