Rain on the roof

1. What do the following phrases mean to you? Discuss in class. i. humid shadows They refer to the dark, damp clouds that bring rain. These shadows hang low in the sky and create a gloomy, moist atmosphere. ii. starry spheres They are the night skies filled with twinkling stars. The poet imagines these beautiful star-filled skies before the rain clouds cover them. iii. what a bliss It expresses a deep sense of joy and peace. The poet feels it is a great pleasure to lie in bed and listen to the gentle sound of rain on the roof. iv. a thousand dreamy fancies into busy being start This means that the sound of rain sparks countless imaginative thoughts and dreams in the poet's mind, even while he is awake. v. a thousand recollections weave their air-threads into woof This phrase means that the rain brings back many memories from the poet’s past, which blend together like threads in a woven fabric of thoughts. 2. What does the poet like to do when it rains? When it rains, the poet loves to lie on his bed in his cottage and listen to the soft sound of the rain falling on the roof. 3. What is the single major memory that comes to the poet’s mind? Who are the “darling dreamers” he refers to? The single major memory that comes to the poet’s mind during the rain is the memory of his mother. He remembers how she used to look lovingly at her children before they went to sleep. The “darling dreamers” he refers to are the poet and his siblings when they were young. His mother would tuck them into bed, and they would fall asleep while dreaming. The sound of the rain brings back this tender memory of their mother’s love and care. So, the rain reminds the poet of his childhood days and the warmth of his mother’s presence. 4. Is the poet now a child? Is his mother still alive? No, the poet is not a child now — he is an adult, remembering his childhood. From the lines in the poem, we understand that his mother is no longer alive. The poet is recalling her from his memories, which come back to him when he hears the rain. 5. When you were a young child, did your mother tuck you in, as the poet’s mother did? Yes, when I was a young child, my mother would tuck me in lovingly, just like the poet’s mother. It made me feel safe, cared for, and peaceful before going to sleep. 6. Do you like rain? What do you do when it rains steadily or heavily as described in the poem? Yes, I like rain. When it rains steadily or heavily, I enjoy sitting by the window and listening to the soothing sound of the raindrops. Sometimes, I like to read a book, sip something warm, or just relax and watch the rain, just like the poet in the poem. It feels calm and peaceful. 7. Does everybody have a cosy bed to lie in when it rains? Look around you and describe how different kinds of people or animals spend time, seek shelter, etc. during rain. No, not everybody has a cosy bed to lie in when it rains. While some people enjoy the rain from the comfort of their warm homes, many others struggle to find shelter. Homeless people often take cover under flyovers, shop roofs, or bus stops to stay dry. Street vendors quickly cover their stalls with plastic sheets, trying to save their goods. Children in poor areas may play joyfully in the rain, but later feel cold and uncomfortable. Stray animals like dogs and cats hide under vehicles or buildings, while birds seek shelter in trees or on balconies. Farmers and construction workers try to find nearby sheds or trees for protection. For many, rain is not just peaceful—it brings discomfort and difficulty.