CHILDREN’S POEM

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1927, Page 21

CHILDREN’S POEM

THE KITTEN AND THE LEAVES. This poem was written by the poet Wordsworth, of whom I expect you Have heard in your school lessons, and who was often called the “Poet of Nature.” He had a great gift of writing attractively of simple things, and in these few lines he gives a perfect picture of a wee fluffy kitten playing with the autumn leaves aa they drop from the tree. See the kitten on the wall, Sporting with the leaves that fall, Withered leaves, one, two, and three. From the lofty elder tree. Through the calm and frosty air Of this morning bright and fair, Eddying round and round they sink, Softly, slowly; one might think. From the motions that they made, Every little leaf conveyed Sylph or fairy hither tending. To this lower world descending, Each visible and mute In his wavering parachute. But the kitten, how she starts, Crouches, stretches, paws, and darts

First at one and tEen its fellow. Just as light and just as yellow, There are many now, not one; Now they stop and there are none; What intenseness of desiro In her upward eye of fire! With a tiger leap half-way Now she meets the coming prey, Lets it go as fast, and then Has it in her power again. How she works with three or four. Like an Indian conjuror; Quick as he in feats of art, Far beyond in joy of heart, Were her antics played in the eye Of a thousand passers-by, Clapping hands with shouts and stare. What would little tabby care For the plaudits of the crowd! Over happy to be proud. Over wealthy in the treasure, Of her- own exceeding pleasure.