Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Foreign Lands" is a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson that captures the imaginative spirit of a child climbing a cherry tree and envisioning a world beyond their immediate surroundings. The poem portrays the sense of wonder and curiosity that children often possess.

The poem begins with the speaker, a young child, climbing up a cherry tree. From this vantage point, they observe their surroundings with a fresh perspective. They hold onto the trunk of the tree and gaze out at what seems like foreign lands.

The child describes seeing the garden next door adorned with flowers, as well as unfamiliar faces that they have never encountered before. They also notice a river, which reflects the blue sky like a looking glass. The dusty roads are filled with people traveling to town.

The child's imagination takes flight as they contemplate finding a higher tree that would allow them to see even farther. They imagine the river extending until it reaches the sea, where ships sail. The roads, too, lead onward into a magical land of fairies.

In this enchanted land, all the children gather to dine at five o'clock, and all the playthings come to life. The poem conveys the child's longing for exploration, adventure, and the possibility of a world beyond their own.

"Foreign Lands" captures the essence of a child's imaginative perspective, where everyday scenes and objects take on a sense of wonder and excitement. It reminds readers of the joy and limitless possibilities that accompany childhood exploration and the power of imagination

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