Poem No. 19 - A Man of Words and Not of Deeds

A Man of Words and Not of Deeds 

Written By Charles Perrault (1628-1703)

A man of words and not of deeds, 

Is like a garden full of weeds, 

And when the weeds begin to grow, 

It’s like a garden full of snow. 

And when the snow begins to fall, 

It’s like a bird upon the wall. 

And when the bird away does fly, 

It’s like an eagle in the sky. 

And when the sky begins to roar, 

It’s like a lion at the door. 

And when the door begins to crack, 

It’s like a stick across your back. 

And when your back begins to smart, 

It’s like a penknife in your heart. 

And when your heart begins to bleed. 

And when your heart begins to bleed, 

You’re dead and dead and dead indeed. 

(Charles Perrault 1628-1703) 

Translated by Robert Samber

Vocabulary

A man words: A man who only talk without any practical involvement

Weeds: Unwanted wild plants

Roar: Roar Loud, deep sound as of a lion
Smart: Feel or cause a sharp pain

Penknife: a small knife with a blade which folds into the handle.
Bleed: lose blood from the body as a result of injury or illness.
Indeed: used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something already suggested.

Summary:

This poem is written by Charles Perrault and translated by Robert Samber. He says that a man who always talks and boasts, and does not do anything practically in any deed which beneficial for mankind is like a garden full of weeds. And when his this habit is once grown, it further aggravates the situation like snow in winter. Life passes through different phases and he is liked by no one in his social circle. Thus he finally comes to an end with the death of a person. It is, therefore, necessary that a man must always engage himself in some fruitful activity to make the life pleasant and useful for humanity. The poem gives us a lesson to be practical in every aspect of life.

Theme
One who is always busy in talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, and is not involved in any deed is like a garden full of weeds. And when it is once grown it further aggravates the situation like snow in winter. Life passes through different passes and ultimately comes to an end with the death of a person. It is , therefore necessary that a man must always engage himself in some fruitful activity to make the life pleasant and useful for humanity.

Moral Lesson
The poem "A Man of Words and Not of Deeds" teaches us that we should not waste our precious time in talking only. We should not misguide others by only showing ourselves as talketive. We should be practical and do positive actions for the sake of serving humanity.