Page 62 - English_Spark_5
P. 62
7 The Owl
I can sing ...
I can sing...
The poet encounters an owl in the forest. The poem describes on owl as
mysterious creature that symbolises the wisdom of nature.
At night, when all is still,
The forest’s sentinel
Glides silently across the hill
And perches in an old pine tree,
A friendly presence his!
No harm can come
From night bird on the prowl.
His cry is mellow,
Much softer than a peacock’s call.
Why then this fear of owls
Calling in the night?
If men must speak,
Then owls must hoot –
They have the right.
On me it casts no spell:
Rather, it seems to cry,
‘‘The night is good – all’s well, all’s well’’.
—Ruskin Bond
sentinel — guard or watchman; on the prowl — hunting for prey;
mellow — pleasant; casts no spell — here, does not bring bad luck.
62 English-5
