The Kingfisher - (William Henry Davies)

The Kingfisher - W.H. Davies.

William Henry Davies

It was the Rainbow gave thee birth,

And left thee all her lovely hues;

And, as her mother’s name was Tears,

So runs it in my blood to choose

For haunts the lonely pools, and keep

In company with trees that weep.

Go you and, with such glorious hues,

Live with proud peacocks in green parks;

On lawns as smooth as shining glass,

Let every feather show its marks

;Get thee on boughs and clap thy wings

Before the windows of proud kings.

Nay, lovely Bird, thou art not vain;

Thou hast no proud, ambitious mind;

I also love a quiet place

That’s green, away from all mankind;

A lonely pool, and let a tree

Sigh with her bosom over me.

- Biography -

William Henry Davies was a Welsh poet and writer.
William Henry Davies was born in Newport, Wales.
He married in 1923 Helen Payne
He was born on (3 July 1871) in Newport, United Kingdom.
He was died at age 69, on (26 September 1940) in Nailsworth, United Kingdom.
His father died when he was three years old, and after his mother’s subsequent remarriage, Davies was raised by his grandparents.
At age 22, with a small inheritance, he boarded a ship to New York and spent the following six years train hopping across the United States and Canada, supporting himself through casual labor and panhandling.
His experiences inspired his writing, and he became a celebrated poet, known for his vivid descriptions of everyday life.
He returned to England, living a rough life in London in particular.
His first book of poetry, in 1905
His Autobiography
- “The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp,” is considered a classic of 20th-century literature.
In his poems, grounded in realism, Davies often engaged themes of hardship, the natural world, and city life.
His 20 collections of poetry.

Introduction/Theme

“The Kingfisher” by William Henry Davies is a beautiful and simple poem that reflects the poet’s deep connection with nature. W.H. Davies, often known as the “Tramp Poet” because of his humble lifestyle, had a unique ability to express his feelings through simple yet powerful language. Some of his famous poems include “A Great Time,” “A Greeting,” “A May Morning,” and “A Strange City.” In “The Kingfisher,” he focuses on the beauty and grace of the kingfisher bird, but also shares his personal emotions and thoughts.

The main theme of the poem revolves around the beauty and brilliance of the kingfisher. However, Davies doesn’t just describe the bird’s physical appearance; instead, he uses the kingfisher as a symbol of natural beauty and simplicity. He expresses a sense of oneness with nature, as he feels a close connection to the bird and its surroundings. The kingfisher’s bright and vibrant colors catch the poet’s attention, and he imagines that the bird is the “child of the rainbow,” as if the rainbow gave birth to the kingfisher and passed on its colors.

The poet goes even further by describing the rainbow as the “daughter of tears,” meaning that the rainbow is born from rain, which reflects the sunlight and creates its beautiful colors. This poetic image ties the bird’s beauty to the natural world in a deeper, emotional sense. The kingfisher is not just a pretty bird, it represents something more profound nature’s ability to create beauty out of sadness and tears.

As the poem progresses, Davies compares himself to the kingfisher. Just like the bird, the poet enjoys visiting lonely and quiet places, like pools where tree branches droop over the water. This reflects the poet’s love for solitude and his desire to be away from the busy, noisy world of people.

In the poem, the kingfisher is compared to the peacock, another bird known for its beauty. However, while the peacock shows off its feathers and lives in “the King’s Garden,” the kingfisher is humble. It does not seek attention or live in grand places. Despite its brilliant colors, the kingfisher prefers to remain hidden, away from the public eye. The poet admires this about the bird, as it is not proud or ambitious.

Like the kingfisher, the poet also values a quiet, peaceful life. He longs for solitude and wishes to live far away from the “madding crowd” the busy and noisy world of human activity. The poet desires a life close to nature, where he can find peace and comfort. He imagines a peaceful scene by a lonely pool, with a tree bending over him like a mother caring for her child. This image reflects the poet’s deep connection to nature and his desire for a simple, serene life.

Overall, “The Kingfisher” is a gentle and inspiring poem that highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of living a humble, peaceful life. Both the kingfisher and the poet share a love for solitude and simplicity, making the poem a meaningful reflection on the joy of living close to nature.

Summary

In this poem, the poet adores the beauty of kingfisher by putting his pure emotions in words. The poet is admiring its beauty as the bird is his beloved. He is in a mood of no hesitation. With pure emotions, the poet speaks to the bird.

He says that you are given birth by the rainbow. As the rainbow contains multiple colors, the feathers and outer body of a kingfisher also look like the pattern of the rainbow. Here, the poet also expresses his inner sadness and dejection. He tells the kingfisher that unlike you I am destined to be at lonely places like under the shade of the weeping trees.

It is to show the contradiction between the beautiful life of the bird and the gloomy life of the poet. The poet recommends the kingfisher to go into greenery and in the company of peacocks. He says that it should go to the gardens owned by kings. The poet sees purpose and peace in the existence of kingfisher.

In the end, the poet counts on one similarity between himself and the bird: he also likes silent, green places but to share his grief with Nature.

Question & Answers

One Marks

1. Who wrote the poem "The Kingfisher"?

Answer: W.H. Davies.

2. What bird is the focus of the poem?

Answer: The kingfisher.

3. What does the poet call the kingfisher's mother?

Answer: The rainbow.

4. What is the kingfisher compared to in the poem?

Answer: The peacock.

5. Where does the poet prefer to be in the poem?

Answer: By a lonely pool.

Two Marks

1. Why does the poet call the kingfisher "the child of the rainbow"?

The poet imagines that the kingfisher was born from the rainbow and inherited its brilliant, colorful hues, symbolizing its natural beauty.

2. What does the poet mean by saying the rainbow is the "daughter of tears"?

The poet implies that the rainbow is created by rain, which comes from clouds that shed “tears” in the form of raindrops. The rainbow reflects sunlight, showing beauty after sadness.

3. How does the poet contrast the kingfisher with the peacock?

The poet contrasts the kingfisher’s quiet, humble nature with the peacock’s showy and proud behavior. The kingfisher prefers solitude, while the peacock lives in grandeur, displaying its feathers in “the King’s Garden.”

Three Marks

1. What is the significance of the kingfisher choosing to live near lonely pools and weeping trees?

Answer: The lonely pools and weeping trees symbolize quiet, melancholic places in nature, away from the noise of the world. The poet admires the kingfisher for preferring these serene, peaceful environments, much like he himself seeks solitude and calmness in nature.

2. What message does the poet convey about humility and ambition in the poem?

Answer. The poet conveys that true beauty and fulfillment come from humility and simplicity rather than seeking attention or ambition. The kingfisher, despite its vibrant beauty, avoids showing off like the peacock. Similarly, the poet values a peaceful, modest life away from the public eye, emphasizing the importance of living humbly in harmony with nature.

3. How does the poet express his connection with nature in the poem?

Answer: The poet expresses his connection with nature by comparing himself to the kingfisher, preferring quiet, secluded places like lonely pools and weeping trees. He finds peace in solitude and in the company of nature, away from society. The kingfisher’s simplicity and preference for a calm environment reflect the poet’s desire for a peaceful life in tune with nature

Four/Five Marks

1. Discuss how the kingfisher is used as a symbol in the poem to reflect the poet's thoughts and feelings.

Answer: In “The Kingfisher,” the bird symbolizes the poet’s inner world and his preferences for solitude, simplicity, and natural beauty. The kingfisher, with its brilliant colors, is portrayed as the “child of the rainbow,” representing beauty born from nature’s tears. Though the kingfisher is vibrant and could easily live among grander creatures like the peacock, it chooses a quiet, humble life by lonely pools. This symbolizes the poet’s own desire for a life removed from society’s ambition and pride. Just like the bird, the poet loves peace, calm, and a quiet existence in harmony with nature, far from the “proud kings” and the public eye. Thus, the kingfisher becomes a reflection of the poet’s philosophy of life-valuing humility and inner peace over external recognition or wealth.

2. Explain how the poet's preference for solitude and peace is depicted through the imagery in the poem.

Answer: The poet uses vivid imagery of nature to depict his love for solitude and peace. He describes lonely pools and weeping trees as serene places where he and the kingfisher both feel at home. The image of the tree “sighing” over the poet, much like a mother over her child, reinforces a sense of nurturing and protection from the noise of society. The kingfisher’s quiet presence near these pools reflects the poet’s own yearning for peaceful isolation, away from human distractions. The contrast with the peacock, which flaunts itself in royal gardens, further highlights the poet’s preference for a modest, secluded life rather than one spent in the public eye. The imagery paints a picture of a world where nature offers solace and tranquility, and the poet seeks refuge in its quiet beauty.

Ten Marks

1. How does W.H. Davies use nature, symbolism, and contrasts in "The Kingfisher" to convey his ideas about beauty, humility, and solitude?

Answer. In “The Kingfisher,” W.H. Davies skillfully uses elements of nature, symbolism, and contrasts to reflect his thoughts on beauty, humility, and solitude. The poem, though seemingly about the kingfisher bird, delves much deeper into the poet’s philosophical musings on life, showcasing his preference for simplicity and a peaceful existence away from the complexities of society.

Nature as a Reflection of the Poet’s Soul:

The poem is infused with natural imagery, highlighting Davies’ deep connection with the natural world. The kingfisher, as a creature of nature, embodies the beauty and serenity that the poet values. Nature becomes a mirror for the poet’s soul. with descriptions of “lonely pools” and “weeping trees” symbolizing places of peace, melancholy, and reflection. These quiet, isolated locations reflect the poet’s desire for solitude, away from the bustling world of people. The calmness of the natural setting allows the poet to find inner peace, suggesting that true beauty and contentment come from being in harmony with nature, rather than from seeking external validation.

Symbolism of the Kingfisher and the Rainbow:

The kingfisher itself is symbolic in multiple ways. Its brilliant, multicolored plumage is attributed to the rainbow, which the poet imagines as the bird’s mother. This association with the rainbow introduces a sense of both beauty and impermanence. Rainbows are fleeting, temporary spectacles, appearing after storms and disappearing quickly, symbolizing the transient nature of life and beauty. The poet deepens this symbolism by stating that the rainbow is the “daughter of tears,” suggesting that beauty often arises from sorrow or hardship. This evokes the idea that the kingfisher’s vibrant appearance is not merely superficial but is born out of something deeper- perhaps the struggles and emotional experiences of life.

The kingfisher’s connection to the rainbow emphasizes the poet’s belief in the simplicity and purity of natural beauty. The bird, with all its brilliance, does not seek to display itself proudly or draw attention, unlike the peacock, which is described as flaunting itself in “the King’s Garden.” This modesty of the kingfisher becomes a key symbol of humility, showing that true beauty does not need to be boastful or extravagant.

Contrasts Between the Kingfisher and the Peacock:

Davies makes a clear contrast between the kingfisher and the peacock. The peacock is portrayed as proud, showy, and ambitious, living in royal gardens and displaying its feathers for all to admire. This symbolizes the vanity and superficiality often associated with wealth, status, and public life. The kingfisher, on the other hand, chooses a more humble and reclusive life. Despite its beauty, it prefers to live in quiet, solitary places by “lonely pools” and among “weeping trees. This contrast highlights Davies’ admiration for humility and his belief that true beauty lies in simplicity and quietness, rather than in grandeur and public recognition.

The kingfisher’s choice to stay away from “the windows of proud kings” reflects the poet’s own rejection of fame, power, and materialism. Davies, known as the “Tramp Poet,” lived a simple life and often wrote about the joys of nature and solitude. Through the contrast between the two birds, he conveys that a life of modesty and peace is far more fulfilling than one spent in the pursuit of attention and ambition.

Themes of Solitude and Peace:

At the heart of the poem is the poet’s longing for solitude and peace. Both the kingfisher and the poet find comfort in secluded, natural places, far from the “madding crowd” of human society. The lonely pool, where the kingfisher resides, symbolizes a place of quiet reflection, away from the noise and distractions of the world. The poet imagines himself in such a place, where a tree bends over him “like a mother” caring for her child. This nurturing image reinforces the idea that nature offers solace, protection, and peace to those who seek it Davies preference for solitude is not a rejection of beauty but a different understanding of it. For him, beauty lies in the natural, the unpretentious, and the quiet. He, like the kingfisher, chooses to remain hidden, avoiding the gaze of the world and finding fulfillment in the simplicity of nature. The kingfisher’s decision to avoid “proud kings” mirrors the poet’s own decision to avoid the ambitions of society. Through these images, Davies suggests that true happiness and peace can be found in a humble life, close to nature, rather than in a life spent chasing fame or fortune.

Conclusion:

In “The Kingfisher,” W.H. Davies uses nature, symbolism, and contrasts to communicate his ideas about beauty, humility, and solitude. The kingfisher symbolizes natural beauty that is modest and humble, contrasting with the proud peacock and its association with material wealth and social status. The poet’s love for nature, reflected in his admiration for the kingfisher’s quiet life, underscores his belief that true fulfillment comes from living in harmony with nature and embracing simplicity, rather than seeking attention or ambition. Through these themes, the poem celebrates the quiet joy and peace that can be found in solitude and the natural world.