Question

Lightly, O lightly, we bear her along, She sways like a flower in the wind of our song; She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream, She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream. Gaily, O gaily we glide and we sing, We bear her along like a pearl on a string.

Answer 1

Reference: This is the opening stanza of the poem ‘The Palanquin Bearers’ composed by Sarojini Naidu.

Context: In these lines the poetess describes how the ordinary people are satisfied with their ordinary work. They work hard and get joy in it. This poem is about the four men who are carrying a palanquin and singing a song with joy

Explanation : The palanquin bearers are carrying a palanquin very softly. They are singing a song very joyfully. When the four palanquin bearers sing, it moves gently like a flower moving in the wind. It moves to and fro as a bird moves on the foam of a river. It smiles like a child in dream. Thus the palanquin bearers are very happy. Simile used in every line makes the poem sweet and simple.