And when the sun comes out,
After this rain shall stop,
A wondrous light will fill
Each dark, round drop;
I hope the Sun shines bright;
It will be a lovely sight.
Theme
W. H. Davies' favourite themes are nature and the hardships of the poor. This poem also has a symbolic meaning. The upper leaves get the rain drops and quench their thirst. Afterwards they pass on the drops to the lower leaves. This metaphor means that the rich get a golden chance first and whatever remains trickle down to the poor people. But the poet hopes that there would be equality in the society just like the sunshine which spreads all over the world equally. This sunshine is both for the dark round drop of rain and rich green leaves.
Question 1: How does the poet use figurative language to describe the interaction between sunlight and raindrops?
Answer: The poet uses the metaphor of sunlight filling each dark, round drop of rain after the rain stops, symbolizing the hope for brightness and equality in society.
Question 2: What is the symbolic meaning of the raindrops passing from the upper leaves to the lower leaves in the poem?
Answer: The passing of raindrops from the upper leaves to the lower leaves symbolizes the unequal distribution of opportunities, where the rich get the first chance, and whatever is left trickles down to the poor. However, the poet expresses hope for equality in society, akin to the sunshine that shines equally for everyone.