CBSE Class 8 English (Honeydew Book) Poem 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo

The Duck and the Kangaroo

Introduction to the Poem
The poem “The Duck and the Kangaroo” depicts the longing of a duck confined to its pond, wishing to explore the world like the kangaroo. The duck asks the kangaroo for a ride, addressing the potential challenges of such a journey.

Summary
The poem presents a dialogue between a duck and a kangaroo. The duck admires the kangaroo’s ability to hop freely, while it finds life in the pond monotonous. It requests the kangaroo to take it on an adventure to various places. The kangaroo is initially hesitant, concerned about the duck’s wet feet, which could lead to discomfort. The duck reassures the kangaroo by explaining its preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Ultimately, the kangaroo agrees, and they embark on their journey together.

Stanza 1
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo,
“Good gracious! how you hop!
Over the fields and the water too,
As if you never would stop!
My life is a bore in this nasty pond,
And I long to go out in the world beyond!
I wish I could hop like you!”
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

Keywords and Meanings:

Nasty: Unpleasant or bad, describing the pond’s boring nature.

Explanation:
The duck expresses admiration for the kangaroo’s ability to hop gracefully across land and water. Feeling trapped in its monotonous life, the duck yearns for the freedom to explore beyond the pond.

Stanza 2
“Please give me a ride on your back!”
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.
“I would sit quite still, and say nothing but ‘Quack’,
The whole of the long day through!
And we’d go to the Dee, and the Jelly Bo Lee,
Over the land, and over the sea;
Please take me a ride! O do!”
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

Keywords and Meanings:

Quack: The characteristic sound made by a duck.

Explanation:
The duck pleads for a ride on the kangaroo’s back, promising to be quiet except for its quacking. It dreams of visiting various places, illustrating its desire for adventure.

Stanza 3
Said the Kangaroo to the Duck,
“This requires some little reflection;
Perhaps on the whole it might bring me luck,
And there seems but one objection,
Which is, if you’ll let me speak so bold,
Your feet are unpleasantly wet and cold,
And would probably give me the roo-
Matiz!” said the Kangaroo.

Keywords and Meanings:

Reflection: Thought or consideration.
Roo-matiz: A playful term for rheumatism, indicating potential discomfort.

Explanation:
The kangaroo contemplates the duck’s request but voices a concern about the duck’s cold, wet feet, which might cause it discomfort during their journey.

Stanza 4
Said the Duck, “As I sat on the rocks,
I have thought over that completely,
And I bought four pairs of worsted socks
Which fit my web-feet neatly.
And to keep out the cold I’ve bought a cloak,
And every day a cigar I’ll smoke,
All to follow my own dear true
Love of a Kangaroo!”

Keywords and Meanings:

Cloak: A type of outer garment used for warmth.
Worsted socks: Warm socks made from wool.

Explanation:
The duck assures the kangaroo that it has taken precautions to address its concerns. By buying warm socks and a cloak, and planning to smoke a cigar, the duck shows its dedication and affection for the kangaroo.

Stanza 5

Said the Kangaroo, “I’m ready!
All in the moonlight pale;
But to balance me well, dear Duck, sit steady!
And quite at the end of my tail!”
So away they went with a hop and a bound,
And they hopped the whole world three times round;
And who so happy — O who,
As the Duck and the Kangaroo?

Important Keywords and Their Meanings:

Ready: Prepared or set to start.
Moonlight: The light from the moon; suggests a magical or serene atmosphere.
Balance: To keep steady or maintain stability.
Hop: To jump lightly or quickly; represents the kangaroo’s way of moving.
Bound: A leap or jump; implies excitement and energy.
Happy: A feeling of joy or contentment.

Explanation:
In this stanza, the kangaroo expresses its readiness for the adventure under the soft glow of the moonlight, creating a beautiful and serene backdrop for their journey. It advises the duck to sit steadily for balance, highlighting the importance of stability during their ride. Together, they embark on a joyful journey, hopping around the world three times. The stanza concludes with the exclamation of their happiness, emphasizing the delight they find in each other’s company and the thrill of exploration.

Conclusion

“The Duck and the Kangaroo” captures the themes of adventure, friendship, and overcoming obstacles through preparation and love. The delightful interaction between the characters highlights the joy of exploration and companionship.

बच्चा और कंगारू

कविता का परिचय
कविता “बच्चा और कंगारू” एक बत्तख की ख्वाहिश को दर्शाती है, जो अपने तालाब में बंधी हुई है और कंगारू की तरह दुनिया का अन्वेषण करना चाहती है। बत्तख कंगारू से एक सवारी की विनती करती है, जिसमें यात्रा के संभावित चुनौतियों पर चर्चा होती है।

सारांश
कविता बत्तख और कंगारू के बीच संवाद प्रस्तुत करती है। बत्तख कंगारू की कूदने की क्षमता की प्रशंसा करती है, जबकि उसे तालाब में जीवन उबाऊ लगता है। वह कंगारू से विभिन्न स्थानों पर यात्रा करने का अनुरोध करती है। कंगारू पहले संकोच करता है, क्योंकि उसे बत्तख के गीले पैरों की चिंता होती है, जो असुविधा पैदा कर सकते हैं। बत्तख कंगारू को आश्वस्त करती है कि उसने सुरक्षित और सुखद यात्रा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए तैयारी की है। अंततः, कंगारू सहमति देता है, और वे एक साथ अपनी यात्रा पर निकलते हैं।

पद 1
बत्तख ने कंगारू से कहा,
“हे भगवान! तुम कैसे कूदते हो!
क्षेत्रों और पानी के ऊपर,
जैसे तुम कभी रुकने वाले नहीं हो!
मेरी जिंदगी इस गंदे तालाब में उबाऊ है,
और मैं दुनिया के उस पार जाना चाहती हूँ!
काश मैं तुम की तरह कूद पाती!”
बत्तख ने कंगारू से कहा।