"What is this life if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare ...
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
Don't you love these words? The poet possesses undeniable artistry with words; he also possesses insights into the human condition that cause us to not only read the words but to ponder upon them.
All of us are busy. All of us have a myriad of duties and chores to perform. All of us have limited time and energy and resources. But if, as Davies suggest, we have no time to "turn at Beauty's glance," then our time is ill spent.
I don't believe that the poet refers to the world's definition of beauty of even features and air-brushed perfection of super models and movie stars. Rather, I think he suggests we find beauty in the branches of a winter-bare tree, the valiant rays of sun striving to break through scuttling clouds, or the pristine stillness of a winter landscape. Beauty can be found all around us, if we but look.
This I know for sure: a life without beauty is a barren one indeed.
This is so true. I also believe that when it comes to beauty, we must not be consumers only, but producers.
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