Shade
The kindliest thing god ever made
His hand of very healing laid
Upon a fevered world is shade
His glorious company of trees
Throw out their mantles,and on these
The dust stained wonderer finds ease
Green temples closed against the beat
Of noontides blinding glare and heat
Open to any pilgrims feet
The white road blisters in the sun
Now,half the weary journey done
Enter the rest,O weary one!
And feel the dew of dawn still wet
Beneath thy feet and so forget
The burning highways ache and fret
This is Gods hospitality
And who so rest beneath a tree
Hath cause to thank him grate fully
Answer the Ff questions.
1.What is gods kindliest creation according to the poem?Explaing your answer
2.Why does the poem call the world a “fevered world”
3.What do “mantles” in stanza 2 refer to? How do they help the “dus stained wanderer”?
4.What do “green temples” in stanza 3 refer to? When do these temples open?
why do they close?
Answer:
1. According to the poem, God’s kindliest creation is shade. The poem describes shade as a healing and comforting presence that God has bestowed upon the world. It provides relief from the scorching heat and allows the weary traveler to rest and find solace.
2. The poem calls the world a “fevered world” because it is plagued by the intense heat and glare of the sun. The heat and brightness of the sun can be overwhelming, especially for those who have been traveling on the road for a long time.
3. “Mantles” in stanza 2 refer to the leaves of the trees. The trees create a canopy of leaves that provides shade and comfort to the dusty and tired wanderer. The leaves also collect moisture from the air and release it as dew, which provides a refreshing sensation to the traveler’s feet.
4. “Green temples” in stanza 3 refer to the trees. The poem describes them as temples because they provide a sacred space of refuge and healing. The green temples are always open to any weary traveler who seeks rest and solace. They close only when the sun goes down, and darkness descends upon the world.
