Working with the Poem
Question 1:Read the lines in which the following phrases occur. Then discuss with your partner the meaning of each phrase in its context.
- velvet grass
- drinking straws
- meadow houses
- amazing mound
- fuzzy head
Solution:
- The velvet grass means soft grass that almost feels like fur or velvet.
- Drinking straws mean that it appears as if the butterflies are sipping nectar from the flowers with the straws.
- Meadow houses are a reference to several houses which inhabit the insects, birds and animals that live in the meadows. Such as burrows, nests and mounds.
- The amazing mound is a reference to the mound created by the ants as their dwelling place.
- Fuzzy head refers to the heads of the bright yellow flowers which have a beautiful texture.
Question 2:Which line in the poem suggests that you need a keen eye and a sharp ear to enjoy a meadow? Read aloud the stanza that contains this line.Solution:“You may discover these yourself, if you look and listen well.”