A Strange City
July 6, 2023A Greeting
July 6, 2023A Plain Life
No idle gold — since this fine sun, my friend,
Is no mean miser, but doth freely spend.
No precious stones — since these green mornings show,
Without a charge, their pearls where’er I go.
No lifeless books — since birds with their sweet tongues
Will read aloud to me their happier songs.
No painted scenes — since clouds can change their skies
A hundred times a day to please my eyes.
No headstrong wine — since, when I drink, the spring
Into my eager ears will softly sing.
No surplus clothes — since every simple beast
Can teach me to be happy with the least.
William Henry Davies
William Henry Davies (1871-1940) was a Welsh poet and writer, best known for his works that celebrated the beauty and simplicity of nature. He was born in Newport, Wales and spent much of his early life as a tramp, travelling across the UK and the USA. Davies wrote about his experiences as a wanderer, drawing on themes of poverty, social injustice and the struggles of everyday life. His most famous works include "Leisure," "The Hill of Summer" and "Autumn Landscape."