His mother is probably not alive, as he says in line.
I Thinking about the Poenm (Page 42) 17-18 that she comes in his memories just like she
1What do the following phrases mean to you? used to put him in his bed to sleep as she used to
Discuss in class. in the past.
(i) Humid shadows
(ii) Starry spheres II Thinking about the Poem (Page 42)
(i) What a bliss 1When youwere a young child,did your
(iv) Athousand dreamy fancies into busy beingstart mother tuck you in, as the poet's did?
(v) Athousand recollections weave their air-threads Ans. Yes, my mother used to tuck (put) me in when I
into woof
young child, just like the poet's mother did.
Ans. (i) Dark clouds laden with (fullof) dropletsof (answers may vary)
rainwater.
(ii) Stars in the sky. 2 Do you like rain? What do you do when it rains
(ii) Umost joy experienced by the poet. steadily or heavily as described in the poem?
(iv) This refers to the various imaginary thoughts and Ans. Yes, I like rain.
fantasies that are aroused in the poet's mind. When it rains steadily Iget into my house and
(v) This means that the poet recollects numerous enjoy the weather with family. It is awonderful
(many) memories that intermingle (connect experience. I also enjoy eating some tasty snacks
together) to form a beautiful picture. and sometimes love to drench myself in che rain.
(answers may vary)
2 What does the poet like to do when it rains?
3 Does everybody have a cosy bed to lie in
Ans. When it rains, the poet feels delighted to lie with his when it rains? Look around youand describe
head pressed against the pillow of his bed in his how different kinds of people or animals
cottage and listen to the patter (sound) of the soft rain spend time, seek shelter etc, during rain.
on the tiles of the cottage roof.
Ans. No, everybody is not fortunate enough to have a
3What is the single majormemory that comes to cosy bed to lie in when it rains. Not everybody gets
the poet? Who are the "darling dreamers" he to enjoy the comfort of cosy homes during rain.
refers to? Ihave seen animals seeking shelter under trees and
Ans. The single major memory that comes to the poet is under the tin roofs of small roadside stalls.
that of his mother and her fond looks when she put The people passing by chase away these animals
the poet into the bed to sleep. and try to fit themselves under the limited space of
The 'darling dreamers' refer to the poet and his these shops. The poor animals are left to get
siblings in their childhood. drenched in the open. The shopkeepers of such
stalls are delighted as the people waiting for the
4 ls the poet nowa child? Is his mother stillalive? rain ask for tea and whatever snacks are available
Ans. No, the poet is not a child now. He is a grown up man. with them. (answers may vary)
