NCERT Chapter Summary: Meadow Surprises (Poem)

NCERT Chapter Summary: Meadow Surprises (Poem)

The meadow offers several surprises to the one who has an eager eye to look at the meadow. Walking on the soft velvety grass, the sound of the brook, a butterfly sipping nectar from the flowers, all such sights give immense pleasure. These sights are no less than the nature’s surprise gift.

Walking further on, one may find a rabbit hidden in the grass. One may not be able to see it instantly, but soon it would hop in front of you because it would be scared. A dandelion that was golden a couple of days ago would have also bloomed.

One could find several houses in the meadows. There would be burrows in the ground, nests beneath the tall grasses, mounds for ants and so on. For every person there would be some or the other surprise.

Stanza 1

Meadows have surprises,
You can find them if you look; 
Walk softly through the velvet grass,
And listen by the brook.

Explanation: If one pays attention, a meadow has several surprises to offer. It is a great pleasure to walk through the velvety soft grass and hear the sound of the brook.

Stanza 2

You may see a butterfly 

Rest upon a buttercup

And unfold its drinking straws

To sip the nectar up.

Explanation: In the meadows, it is possible to come across a butterfly comfortably placed upon her buttercup or flowers full of nectar. It would seem as if the butterfly is sipping nectar from the buds and flowers with the help of a drinking straw.

Stanza 3

You may scare a rabbit
Who is sitting very still;
Though at first you may not see him,
When he hops you will.

Explanation: Walking on the soft grass, one may not be immediately able to see the rabbit hiding there. The rabbit might get frightened by our footsteps and would hop out of the grass. That indeed is a sight worth watching.

Stanza 4

A dandelion whose fuzzy head
Was golden days ago
Has turned to airy parachutes
That flutter when you blow.

Explanation: Dandelions or bright yellow flowers, that appeared golden several days ago have bloomed and flutter as you go near and blow at them.

Stanza 5

Explore the meadow houses,
The burrows in the grounds,
A nest beneath tall grasses,
The ant’s amazing mound.

Explanation: If one explores the meadows, one comes across various houses. There are burrows in the ground meant for smaller animals. Some nests are found beneath the tall grass and mounds for the ants are also there.

Stanza 6

Oh! Meadows have surprises
And many things to tell;
You may discover these yourself,
If you look and listen well.

Explanation: If one is able to pay a little attention, look and listen well, one may find several beautiful surprises in the meadows.