The Rain By William Henry Davies

Summary of the Poem

Introduction of the poet:-

Poet and writer William Henry Davies was born in Newport, Wales. Davies spent a significant part of his life as a tramp or hobo in the Uk and USA but became one of the most popular poets of his time. The principal themes in his work are observation about life’s hardships, the world of nature and city life. His 20 collections of poetry include The Bird of Paradise, The Soul’s Destroyer, Joy and Pleasure, All in June, etc. 

Apparent Meaning of the Poem:-

In the first stanza, the poet says that he is hearing the lovely sound of the rain falling on the leaves. The raindrops falling on the leaves, make a pleasant sound and delight the poet. The leaves on the top, first get the rainwater and then they pass this water, drop after drop, to the lower leaves. In the second stanza, the poet has skillfully depicted the scene after the rain has stopped. He indicates that after some time, the rain will stop and the wondrous light of the sun will brighten every dark object; even the raindrops would marvellously sparkle. Everything would shine with a new look. It is the law of nature.

Hidden Meaning of the Poem:-

Rain in the first stanza symbolises wealth and resources. According to the poet, rich people take away all the money and resources and give to the poor what is left behind. Rich people have more opportunities to enjoy the blessings of nature. In the second stanza, the sun symbolises hope and equality. Every trouble and calamity brings about a new era. We should never lose hope. The sufferings may stay a little longer, yet not forever. The poet encourages the poor and sufferers to keep up hope and happiness through the imagery of bright sunshine. The beautiful sunshine infuses a new spirit in our hearts and rejuvenates our souls. 

Summary:

The rain is a beautiful poem written by W. H. Davies, who is a great admirer of nature. This poem describes the natural sight of rain symbolically. Rain falls on top of the dense foliage. The upper leaves drink the rainwater first, then pass it to the lower thin leaves drop by drop. The beating of the raindrops against the thick leaves produces soft music. 

“Most of my memories are the sound of rain on caravan roofs.”

Kelly MacDonald

The top thick leaves symbolise rich people who enjoy most of the blessings but they give a very little amount of relief or alms to the poor. Due to inadequate means and resources, poor people cannot enjoy the delightful scene of rain. Rain becomes even a bother to the people who live in tents or in mud houses. They do not enjoy the lovely and comforting rhythm of the falling rain. When rich people enjoy rain by drinking coffee, the poor are busy clearing up the damage created by rain. The captivating scene of rain is not to be enjoyed by the people who hardly make both ends meets. They do not admire or enjoy the music of rain. 

  “One can find so many pains when the rain is falling.”

John Steinbeck

However, the other side of the gloomy picture is always bright. It is said that a dark cloud has a silver lining and after troubles and trials, there are greater rewards. In the second stanza, the poet says that when the rain stops, the sun will come out from the clouds. It will illuminate everything, including dark round drops of rain. The dazzling sunshine will spread equally everywhere. Here the poet hopes that the painful differences between the wealthy and poor will come to an end. The scene of sunshine is a source of pleasure because it symbolises justice and fair distribution of resources among all. 

    “After the rain, the sun will appear. There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here.”

Walt Disney

Conclusion:-

This poem, although short, conveys a serious message and highlights the difference between rich and poor. The poet presents the universal law of nature that there is pleasure after grief and merriment after the misery. Time does not remain the same because change is inevitable and the only permanent phenomenon of life. The change from rain to sunlight is likened to the change from misery to happiness.