your comments
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Susan from Cirencester
I have just read the poem Leisure for the first time as I looked out from the amazing countryside views of Newark Park a national trust house. An inspiration to learn more about poetry.
B Yearsley Auckland
can anyone help. Did WH Davies write the words'Come in the morning or come in the eveningcome when you are looked for or come withoutwarning...' I would like all the words.
Swati Agrawal, Mumbai, India
WH Davies' autobiography is heart touching and makes us realise the difficulties that a child faces without his parents.
Russell Rees-Davies from Bagillt
William Henry Davies was an amazing man who led such a simple life. His wonderful poem 'Leisure' is recognised by everyone. When I am entertaining the elderly and disabled folk I always recite this poem to my audience and inevitably they finish the last two lines with me.
Rasajna from India
The poems written by him are simply beautiful.I really liked the poem Days Too Short
Veena Kakade from Pune, India
I felt extremely humbled and was greatly inspired after reading about the life of WHD in The Autobiography of a Super-tramp. It is a slap in the face of the irony which did not give luck or home to this poet but has created a home for him in the heart of all his readers. Leisure is one of the best poems I have ever read.
Amanda teaching English in Serbia
My mother, aged 90, has a small, yellowed, copy of the poem Leisure pinned next to her kitchen sink. My late father gave it to her many years ago - he had cut it from a newspaper. She says it gives her a sense of tranquility. I am so grateful that having found this site, that I can introduce, not only this poem but, the poet to my students.
Adrian Williams, Broadstairs, Kent
As a poetry writer myself and an ex landscape gardener, I am well placed to relate to WH Davies' world of adventure and nature poetry. I have always regarded him as an amazing individual, who led a full and interesting Life. What a man! I've read "Life of a supertramp" 3 times already! I also have his collected works of poetry. Reading the two combined builds up a greater picture of the man himself, with his different thoughts and reflections. I shall certainly endeavour to read more of his works though obtaining them can sometimes be difficult!
Robert Pepper, Meltham, Huddersfield
I've only just found this discussion and am replying to the comments by Alan Eastwood.My guess is that the lady you spoke to was Marjorie Phillips, who was WHD's niece by marriage, having married a son (whose name I know not - perhaps Donna in California can help?) of WHD's sister, Matilda.
Joy Evans from Pembrokeshire
I've loved his poem 'Leisure' since I was a child and still have a framed copy of it in my hallway! I was very interested to read the above comment from Juliet Klenke in Canada as my mother was the youngest daughter of his friend David Rees.
Musfera from Pakistan
Best inspirational poem I ever heard. Davies' style is indeed gorgeous.
Kenneth M .Bryant.-Surrey GU7 3LT.
I was taught this poem,
'What is this life,if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare,
No time to stare in woods we pass where squirrels hide their nuts in grass,
A poor life this,if we have no time to stand and stare.
All Welsh men & women whether from Newport or not,should be proud of someone who was a remarkable personality who conquered his disability He is part of the heritage of Wales,and there should be a lasting memorial to him,not only in the restoration of his home in Gloucestershire,but by means of a Blue Plaque on his home in Newport.-ALL schools should be taught about his life & work.- (Where can I get an up to date version of his biography.?)-Maybe I can write an article for Country Quest- with quotes from his poetry.? Thanks. K.M.Bryant
David Marsh, Kent
Loved Super-Tramp - best book. Just discovered it was written by WH Davies after 40 years. After recent publicity I am going to dive into more of his work.
Wendy Townsend - Stroud, Glos
We were out for a walk in Nailsworth in February 2008 and there is most definitely no work being carried out on "Glendower". It is a very sorry sight indeed to behold. It is almost as if the house as it was when he died!
Alice White from London
I have to use this poem in an expressive arts GCSE. I can't believe the amount of work we have to do!!! As he says we should have more time, so why do we always have so much homework?
Colin McLaren, Toronto, Canada
Educated in England I had never heard of WHD. Coming to Canada in 1957 I discovered him and reproduced his Leisure poem. It is on the wall just behind my computer. Sure, it may not please the laureates among us, but I find it charming and memorable.
Pauline Jellyman, Westport, New Zealand
Leisure is the most wonderful poem I have ever read and has been the inspiration I have needed many times in my life to encourage me to "stand and stare". Thank you WH Davies.
Clement Ogunsanya from Lagos, Nigeria
Leisure is one of my best poems I like to read when things get tough nowadays.
Richard May from Ipswich
Of the three bookshops visited in Dock Street on my fleeting visit in August, only one out of three proprietors had heard of Newport's Tramp Laureate: Shame on you, those of you who hadn't; but well done to Merlin Books!
Mary Walsh
I would love to get the full version of "Leisure" by W. H. Davies as I am doing a C.D. on Visualisation and would love to include it. As all the imagery on the C.D. is about breathing and taking time out. I would appreciate if you would forward this to me or email it to me please.
Alan Hern, Brighton, Sussex
When i lived in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool and attended Abersychan Technical School in 1951 the first English lesson was to write out the poem leisure and the life of W H Davies it is a gem that i still treasure in my later life
Jan Kristof, Slovakia
This wonderful prayer was posted over my desk during my studies and followed me all my life through. Hope, it will last a little more (now I am 62). Helped me to try and to succeed to stop from time to time and think over were I and we are heading. Similarly, as a response, I often came back to something as a Leisure’s-response-poem written by JW Goethe: Mignon’s Lied (song) from Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre: "Kennst du das Land, wo die Zitronen blühn,Im dunklen Laub die Gold-Orangen glühn..." (Do you know the land where the lemon trees blossom, and gold oranges from dark foliage glister...) Another highly valuable diamond.
Martin Evans, Newport
In answer to the question from Gary of Newport, WH Davies did live in Woodland Road (number 1). He had a top floor room with views over the River Usk and Bristol Channel, but after only a week he was given notice to leave. He then moved to 42 Dudley Street.
Rajendra Shinde, India
Great poem - in computer slaved age, this poem is an eye opener. Liked it very much.
Tanveer from Pakistan
Leisure is a beautiful peom about the materialistic attitude of human beings. William has depicted weaknesses of the modern world in a beautiful way. After reading this poem, I personally feel that a human should get some time from his busy life to enjoy nature which can provide us pleasure in our boring life.
Angela Murden, Hull (originally from The Gambia)
I think WH Davies' poem, Leisure, is so simple but true. Newport must be proud of him. I was taught this poem, many moons ago, in literature lessons, in my school in The Gambia, West Africa. I didn't know I remembered it until it appeared in an advert (can't remember which one), and I found myself reciting it (to the amazement of my daughter). Also, it was recently referred to in a Sunday morning preaching, about "Time", at my local church, New Life Christian Centre, Hull.
Lisa van Gijssel, Newport
'Leisure' is a lovely poem that is as much a part of the British consciousness as Kipling's 'If'. Newporters should make a lot more fuss of it and of WH Davies. Why isn't there a statue of him in the city centre? Why isn't this lovely poem on a mosaic or plaque somewhere that people can see it and know it's part of their heritage? Hopefully the new shopping centre will feature it.
Anne, Devon
Centreparcs and Orange Mobile have used this for TV ads.
Maureen Ramsay, Bluff, New Zealand
They say a picture is worth a thousand words yet W H Davies needed less than this to paint a perfect picture in our mind's eye. A picture that is a clear as if we were standing beneath the boughs with him. This is a true gem of a poem.
Maureen Ramsay, New Zealand
I have always thought Leisure one of the most beautufil ever written. Why can life not be that simple.
J Roy from Kolkata, India
Great poem - idealistic. I would love to recite this poem and expand on it - to my boss. Maybe later during the day I would have to indeed stand and stare.
Geegon from Korea
Life, like, leisure. That's what I want.
Girish Sharma, Ghaziabad, India
The only poet I enjoy very much in the 'leisure' writing category is WH Davies. His poems are soothing to the minds in today's hypertensive life. I think no poet can take place of Davies. He was gifted to touch the hearts of those who are nature-lovers.
Janice Hill from Essex
Leisure has been the only poem I have been able to remember and recite. I like the simplicity and calming nature of it.
Sandeep Bankhwal, New Delhi, India
We seek happiness everwhere but we forget it lies in simplest things like rainbow, peacock feathers, cuckoo's songs, carefree butterflies in gardens. WH Davies had sharp eyes to penetrate into simpler things of life that we usually ignore in our day to day life.
Margaret Holder, Newport
He's just about the most amazing poet that ever lived. We have his poem 'Leisure' written around our kitchen wall to remind us how life should be 'leisurely'.
Marion Buckland from Dorset
I am searching for a response to "time to stand and stare". I have been told there is one, and would like to have access to this. Does anyone know it? Don't know the author of the response.
Mithu from Rome
Davies reminds us the beauty and value of simple things in life. At a time when we are superficial and workaholic, hopping with cell phones and e-mails and have no time for anything, Davies makes the ultimate efforts to churn our conscience. It is a pity that we have so few poets and poetry is read by so few these days.
Muhammed Jahanzeb
I am lecturer in English and teach graduate classes. The way I get inspired whenever I deliver 'Leisure', I just cannot share without. As being an aesthete and poet myself I enjoy Davies' poetry sensuously. His poetry is simple but he demands simplification - that is what his message is all about.
Felix from Bristol
Reading Autobiography of a Supertramp when I was 12 years old changed my life and made me think about my future. Leisure is probably the best poem ever written. Be thankful for men like WH Davies.
Antigone Phalares, Carmichael, California, USA
I first learned the poem "Leisure" from the Albatross Book of Living Verse which we used at my boarding school in Bristol, England in the '50s. I fell in love with it and was so fascinated as to memorize it. Just 'googled WHD' and was so interested to learn that he lived several years criss-crossing the US and tragically lost his foot/leg when attempting to hitch a ride on a train in Canada.
I can't wait for my next trip to England (my daughter lives in London) to take a trip to Newport and Nailsworth, Gloucestershire.
Joyce Richardson, Cairns, Australia
I spent all my school days in Scotland and England and have always remembered Davies' poem about Leisure. I wish he had had a happier life but perhaps it was more fulfilling than we imagine. Wherever you are, I am sure you are finding time "to stand and stare".
Juliet Klenke, Kingston, Canada
I was told that my paternal grandfather was a friend of WH. Both lived in Newport as did I as a teenager. I also love the poem 'Leisure' and find it comforting and very moving. I believe my grandfather David Rees is mentioned in the book 'Johnny Walker Tramp'.
Simon Foster from Beverley
My father the late Trevor Foster of rugby league fame was brought up in The Church House and recalled William Henry's visit to the hostelry for a ceremony involving the Newport Mayor and Trevor`s father, landlord Richard Foster in 1938. Trevor was asked to escort W.H. around his old home and offered him a pint of best ale and listened to him recite several poems! Trevor in his early twenties departed Wales the following morning to start a new career as a professional rugby player with Bradford Northern. He often recited his favourite W.H. poem to his children and grand children such was the impression W.H had made on him. "What is this life if full of care ... we have no time to stand and stare..."
I.M. (therefore) Toronto, Canada
We have just purchased the handwritten poem 'Leisure', handwritten and signed/dated by the author in 1918. What a man WH Davies was... most will know that Davies lost his leg in Canada, after having jumped off a train, and injured himself badly.
Margaret Evans, Ontario, Canada
I learnt this poem at school in England in the late forties. I have always remembered the first four verses and the last "A poor life this if full of care we have no time to stand and stare". Beautiful words and very fitting for today's lifestyle. I have only just discovered who wrote it and now want to know more about WH Davies.
Paul Crangle, Hartlepool
His poems are for all ordinary people so why not in the public library?
Edward Clevely, Newport
I visited "Glendower" (Nailsworth), WH Davies' last home with the plaque outside in August 2006. The cottage was in a pitiful state - does anyone know what is going to happen to it? A good read of WH Davies life is by Lawrence Normand from www.seren-books.com
Tessa Naylor from Victoria, Australia
I really like the poetry of W H Davies, especially 'Lesiure' as it was the first poem that I ever learnt to recite off by heart. My grandmother has the poem pinned to the back of the toilet door so, ever since I learnt to read, whenever I made a trip downstairs into the cold toilet, I would recite it over and over again until it was just perfect. With only a few more years of school to go, we have just started to study poetry, I will definitely make sure that my English teacher covers at least one poem by this extremely talented poet. Although I am no poet myself, I know for sure reading all the comments left by all the wonderful people W H Davies was certainly one of Britain's most brilliant poets.
Sharon Georgianna-Challingsworth, Massachusetts, U
Growing up in Newport in the 50's and 60's surely we were all touched by The Super Tramp's poetry. As a Catholic girl attending Holy Family and St Joes (Holy Joe's) we learned all about WH Davies and his wonderful poetry (not to mention some IRA songs from our Irish Nuns). But it was my Nana Miriam Poyner (Pill/Maesglas) who used to recite his poetry as she cooked me my favoirite dinner, egg and chips. Davies's words made it possible to imagine adventure and urged us to take the time to stand and stare. On her final trip to the hospital my Nana hauled herself up to a seated position to look out of the window of the ambulance saying to my Mother "look at the roses, Ol". Thanks WD.
Ibrahim Langrah
Leisure and other poems of Super-Tramp are really relavant to today's life where people are busy like bees.
Charlotte Nikolaeva, Neath
WH Davies was a first cousin of my mother's maternal grandfather, William John Davies late of Pontardawe and Morriston. I have no reason to doubt the information handed down by older family members but if I did, the confirmation of the relationship is there to see in the photographs I have viewed of Wm Henry for the first time tonight. The family resemblance is staggering! It's the nose!!
Pearly Daniel from Toronto, Canada
I learnt 'Leisure' in grade 7 or 8 while in Chennai, India in the early 60s. My dad often quoted the verse, "What is this life, if so full of care we have no time to stand and stare." I love the way Davies used simple language but beautifully arranged and rhyming that anyone can understand it easily and relate to the feelings expressed. He is one of my favourite poets.
Christina Kingsmill, Chipping Campden
I also learnt this poem as a teenager and constantly find that it brings me back to earth in times of stress. I have the most wonderful image to illustrate this poem in my next photographic exhibition at my gallery in Chipping Campden High Street - 6HQ - the exhibition is based on quotes and sayings, drop in if you're nearby.
Michael from Hartlepool
Truly inspirational and spiritualy uplifting.
Vladimir Kutin from Russia
I am thankful since the verse 'What is this life' has been with me since 1980 when I started English as a second language. Nowadays instead of the 'if full of care' I would say 'if full of (s)care'. Yet, having been through the recommended site on the biography of the author I was suprised to read that he was born in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, the son of a publican. So my question is: - was he a son of an iron-moulder who died when he was two years old or the son of a publican, or of both of them?
Rick Redwood in Missouri, USA
I am originally from England. My father was Welsh Douglas Redwood from Ebbw Vale. I went to school in England and was introduced to 'Leisure' around the age of ten years old. I have always remembered the first three verses, and now at age 62 I found this site so I could read the rest of it. I have often recited those three verses to family-friends here in the US. Now I can finally tell them the rest. It is my favorite poem by far.
Paul Sharrad, Sevenoaks Kent
When my sister bought her house in Weald village, it was suggested that William Henry Davis wrote 'Leisure' whilst sitting under her giant oak tree in the garden in Egg Pie Lane, Weald Village. I have not read his autobiography. Does anybody know if it is true? A wonderful mind!
Harriet Hooper, Durham, North Carolina, USA
I just read the "What is life..." quote on Writers Almanac. I plan to make it the motto on my email. Mr Davies certainly speaks for me. I stand and stare, particularly at the sky every day. It improves my life ever so much. I hope to find all of his works, at the public library, hopefully.
Sonia, Chennai, India
Really amazing poet and his poems are really wonderful and it makes to feel a lot.
Colin Piper, Richmond, California, USA
I learned Leisure in school in Southampton, England, about 1948. I have many times thought that I would like to be able to thank the teacher who assigned it in class. So many times when I have been in a stressful situation I have recited it to myself. When I first arrived in San Francisco in the early 60s I found a copy of Biography of a Super Tramp in a used book store. I have still have it! When I purchased it there was a sequel on the shelf I don't remember exactly the name - probably further adventures or something like that. Thank you Mr Davies.
Jane Attard (was Dyer), Surrey
My mother Bernice Slattery was born in Pill in Brunel Street in 1921. She used to serve W H Davies when she worked in Lovells Lounge, she was 17. She has quoted his poems ever since I was a child and I love them. I am now 44 and living in Surrey. She is in hospital here after a fall and her once very mild dementia has now esclalated, but every evening she still repeats the poems "what is this life.." "the little house where I was born" and another one which escapes me but mentions the Severn river. So even with her confusion she still remembers the tramp poet ... amazing. It is very touching.
Chris Head from Nottingham
My late father was a coal face worker and worked long hours deep underground. I recall him reciting Leisure on many occasions when I was small in the early 1960s. I like to think it was his way of lightening his burdens and visiting the wonderful English countryside in his mind's eye. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of my father & wonderful childhood.
Evi from Germany
Hello, I'm a student from Germany and I'm writing a seminar paper about "Leisure". In an opinion poll it was voted among the 100 best loved poems of the British. Now the question occurs, what makes this poem so popular? Perhaps you guys would like to give me your opinion, why do you like this poem so much? Thanks for your help!!!
Neil Jenkins formerly of Newport
Aside: Super Tramp the "pop group" were named after W.H. Davies. For you old Newportonians agreeing that the poems made you aware that there was at least a way out, surely the place had an effect on the man? Please visit the "blue plaque", think for a minute and then smile. I do every time I visit.
John Parkes from Dunfermline
Just by chance I found this comments page. I have long loved the poem 'What is this life...' but had no idea that it was written by a Welshman. I was born in Abergavenny and am a great lover of Dylan Thomas. I just hope that our youngsters will remember them both.
Shirley, Bridgend
The advert you may have been thinking of, Tina, with the words to 'Leisure', was one for Centre Parcs!!
Govind, Chennai, India
I have not read his poems. But I have heard the lines "We do not have time to stand and stare" from an Englishman with whom I worked. This line, in essence, reflects our present lifestyle. We do not stand and stare, leave alone stand and wait. How nice it would be to live a life where we have time to stare, wait and reflect. Alas, what with intrusive technical inventions like TV, mobile phones and Blackberrys to control our life, my wish will remain a pipedream.
Tina Harrington - Peopleton Worcs
My father-in-law Eric Harrington of Llantrisant South Wales,is about to be buried, his widow wanted the words to 'Leisure' read at his funeral, as he loved them so much. Although the words came to me immediately, I am still racking my brains to remember what they were used to advertise on TV. Can anyone help.
Beatrix Schulte from Sauerland in Germany
I wonder if Davies' "Super-Tramp" gave the music group "Supertramp" the idea to choose just that name. After all there was a parallel in the 70s when the group Steppenwolf called themselves after the philosophical book "Steppenwolf" by Hermann Hesse.
Alan Eastwood, Gloucestershire
As a child I lived a few yards down the lane from the cottage WH Davies lived out his last few years. As a mischievous 10 year old I once "cherry knocked" on the door and ran away. Unknown to me I was spotted by his Great-Great-Nephew who told my neighbours, I had to go back and appologise. The door was answered by a very elderly lady, I said how sorry I was and changing the subject commented on the plaque on the wall with WH Davies, she refered to him as Uncle Willie as his Nephew was present. I would guess that she was in well into 80s, this was over 30 years ago so she must have been about 40 when he died. Could this have been his widow?
Cécile Harrison Montauroux France
My grandmother was a Davies and lived in Newport, born about 1870. My father always said there was some family connection with W H Davies. I have tried to trace a connection in Ancestor files, but so far have not found any. I have read all his works.
Jen Smith
A question asked about "where in Woodland Road did W. H. Davies live". He lodged for a short time in no 59.
Archita Khanna from Delhi, India
I really like W H Davies's work and specially the poem Stopping By The Woods and the story Happy Prince.
Kuntal Saha , Kolkata , India
Dadies is gr8! Indeed a gr8 poem I ever read.
Gary Newport
Does anyone know if WH lived in woodland road NEwport
Roger Seal in Stuttgart, Germany
I read his biography some years ago and since then am moved deeply whenever I think of him! We have no time to stare was one of my mum's favourite poems! I only found this out after my sister suggested it be printed on her Memorandum. My mum was the sweetest, most honest woman i ever met, and understanding his poem is a sign of deep love for God's Creation!
Bless you all - Roger
sreesadan,calicut india
His life and the poem 'leisure' are inseparable.
Donna Phillips from California
Davies is my great, great uncle on my father's side. I've read his books, and the cottage where he lived out his last years is still in the family. There is a plaque on the cottage commemorating the fact that Davies lived there. The cottage is located in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire and is undergoing repairs. My second cousin lives there. I grew up with my grandmother telling me about him, and have always enjoyed reading his verse. I am a writer myself and am very proud of my association with him and my Welsh roots.
Robert Myles and Pamela Myles, Seaford UK
We would like to know more about this fascinating man.
Jeremy Travell from Romsey
Is there any connection between W.H.Davies and John Drinkwater?
Herbert Robinson, Lincolnshire, formerly from Nantyglo
I learned "Ways That Have Been" at Nantyglo Council School about sixty years ago and have never forgotten it. And it still does things for me.
Elinor S Morgan from Newport
The poet is still highly regarded to me as the best poet I ever heard about.
George Sullivan from Leamington Spa
I was taught the poem "Sheep" by W H Davies
when I was at school in 1950. I am now 67 and I have never forgotten it.
I think his work was the best.
Paul Chambers from Pill, Newport
W. H. actually lived for a while in the same street as I live in now, and his feelings of being disatisfied with newport are totally understandable. It is such an inspiration to know that there are ways out.
V. Webster, Suffolk
"Super-Tramp" is an important social history. Can life ever be so uncomplicated?
Nigel Williams from Redwick
This man could rhyme
The tick of time
And links all thought
To cold Newport.
AZ Student
William Henry Davies has an interesting way of portraying his life into his works! Sometimes he contradicts himself...but I really like 'The Plain Life!'.
What's your opinion of WH Davies?
Tramp poet and writer from Pill
But Davies was unwell, and this proved to be his last public appearance. His health deteriorated, not helped by the weight of his wooden leg, and he died in September 1940 at the age of 69.
