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Thinking about the Poem

Q1. Notice the use of the word ‘turn’ in the first line. “I think I could turn and live with animals…”. What is the poet turning from?
Answer: The poet is turning from the complex, artificial, and hypocritical world of humans. He feels that animals live a simpler, more genuine life, free from lies, greed, and endless complaints.

Q2. Mention three things that humans do and animals don’t.
Answer: The three things that humans do and animals don’t are:

1. Humans “sweat and whine about their condition,” but animals do not.
2. Humans “lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,” but animals do not.
3. Humans are “dissatisfied” and possess a “mania of owning things,” while animals are not.

Q3. Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Discuss this in groups.
Answer: Yes, humans often kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago, especially religious leaders, saints, prophets, or great rulers. They worship their teachings, rituals, and traditions, even when those practices may not always be relevant to the present life.

Q4. What are the ‘tokens’ that the poet says he may have dropped long ago, and which the animals have kept for him?
Answer: The ‘tokens’ are the basic values and qualities of human nature that have been lost because of civilisation but are still present in animals. These include:

• Simplicity and contentment: living without complaints.
• Innocence: not worrying about sins or guilt.
• Equality: animals do not kneel to others or worship them.
• Freedom from greed: not obsessed with possessions.
  The poet feels animals have preserved these natural virtues that humans once had but abandoned.