Knowledge

“Knowledge”

by Eleanor Farjeon

Your mind is a meadow
To plant for your needs;
You are the farmer
With knowledge for seeds,

Don't leave your meadow
  Unplanned and bare,
Sow it with knowledge
And tend it with care.

Who'd be a know-nothing
When he might grow
The seeds of knowledge
Of stars and snow;

The science of numbers,
The stories of time,
The magic of music,
The secrets of rhyme?

Don't be a know-nothing!
Plant in the spring,
And see what harvest
The summer will bring. 

About Poet:

Eleanor Farjeon (13 February 1881- 5 June 1965) was born in London, England. She was a small timid child, who had poor eyesight and suffered from ill-health throughout her childhood. She was a
gifted writer. She wrote countless plays, poems and stories for children, many of which achieved international recognition. She died in Hampstead, London.  

Summary: In the poem knowledge, the poet compares the human mind with a meadow and with a farmer. A farmer likes to sow seeds and plant things and look after it with care. A good farmer doesn’t like to see bare land.

The poet wants to convey the message that we should not keep our minds empty. Like a good farmer, we should plant the seeds of knowledge in our minds, which will grow and develop like the seeds and plants in a farmer’s meadow. The seeds of knowledge can be about nature or science, history, math, music and literature. If we keep our minds busy through reading we are sure to gain wisdom and knowledge, like a farmer harvesting his crops in the summer.

Md. Saiful Alam

B. A. Honours and M. A. in English

Lecturer of English

Queen’s College, Dhaka

E-mail: suman64924@gmail.com

 My affectionate Readers,

Please, never hesitate to comment because your comment inspired me much. Moreover, any correction or suggestion regarding my writings will be largely appreciated and valued and you can ask me any grammatical questions regarding English. I promise I would try my level best to assist you, all. Thank you very much.