Summary of Sing a Song of People Poem
Sing a Song of People is a heartwarming poem written by Lois Lenski and illustrator Giles Laroche. The book has various relatable illustrations that we see in our day to day life. They depict city life, the crowd, people walking in a hurry, and people going to the subway. The poem describes the hastiness of city life. The city life is rapid, and no one has time to rest. Every person is hurried to reach their destination. Every individual is on the run either up or down, some on the subway, on buses, metros, sidewalks.
Detailed Summary of Sing a Song of People
The poet describes that people are passing, and wherever we look, back or front, you will find people. If you take a spin, then you will not notice a single person resting. But no person is talking or greeting each other. All you find everywhere is people moving and passing by you. This resembles the real-world scenario where everyone is so caught with work that no one has time to talk or have a moment for another person. We never value the time when we have everyone around us, but after time has flown away, we regret it.
People are riding taxis, going on subways, trying to catch their buses. Every person is in a hurry to reach their destinations. They are well dressed in all formal clothing, hats on their head, and arriving to do their jobs. People are prepared for any inconvenience in their way; their ultimate goal is to reach their vocational place and work. Some people are carrying umbrellas if it rains. They are dedicated to performing their jobs irrespective of climate change. All everyone cares about is working and moving. The rain has been used ironically to show that the movement of people is unstoppable. Nothing stops people from moving and working.
The poem says there are people in tall buildings, moving up and down through the elevator. There are people in small stores as well. Every person is going and reaching to their jobs. Some work in small stores and some work in tall buildings. Some people are walking alone, and some people are walking in a crowd. Some are laughing, some are talking, and some are grumpy. Sing a song of people describes various types of people you will notice while walking in the city. But despite their workplace or state, they all are in an equal hurry. Despite being separated by their work, all are united together as a crowd.
Conclusion
The poem is stressed on the fact that city life is expeditious but try to be aware and enjoy this life. We pass hundreds of people each day and do not know any of them. We are in such a hurry that we do not even notice others. The poet insisted on seeing the pleasures of city life and try to feel how connected we are to each other.
FAQs on Sing a Song of People Summary: A Humorous Poem
1. What is a quick summary of the poem 'Sing a Song of People'?
The poem 'Sing a Song of People' by Lois Lenski provides a snapshot of busy city life. It describes how people are always in a hurry, moving up and down streets, on subways, and in buildings. Despite being in a large crowd, everyone is focused on their own destination, and they rarely interact. The poem encourages the reader to observe and appreciate the vibrant human life all around them.
2. Who is the poet of 'Sing a Song of People'?
The poem 'Sing a Song of People' was written by the American author and illustrator Lois Lenski. She was well-known for her children's books that often depicted everyday life and were aimed at a young audience, aligning with the CBSE curriculum for primary classes.
3. What is the central theme for a quick revision of 'Sing a Song of People'?
The central theme is the fast-paced and impersonal nature of modern urban life. The poem highlights the contrast between the constant motion of crowds and the lack of personal connection among individuals. For revision, focus on how the poet wants us to be more aware of the people and the world we share, even when we are busy.
4. How does the poem describe the people in the city?
The poem describes people in various situations, all showing they are in a hurry. They are:
- Walking quickly on sidewalks, going up and down.
- Riding on subways, buses, and in taxis.
- Working in tall buildings and small stores.
- Showing different moods: some are laughing, while others are grumpy.
5. Why does the poet call the poem a 'song'? What feeling does this title create?
The poet likely calls it a 'song' because the movement and rhythm of the city crowd are like a continuous piece of music with its own beat. The title 'Sing a Song of People' creates a feeling of celebration and observation rather than criticism. It suggests that even in the rush, there is a kind of beauty and harmony to be found in the collective life of the city, if we only stop to notice it.
6. How does the poem show that people in the city can be both together and alone at the same time?
The poem illustrates this paradox by describing a city full of people who are physically close but emotionally distant. They form a massive crowd on streets and subways, so they are 'together' in a physical space. However, the poem notes that nobody talks or greets each other; they are all in their own worlds, rushing to their jobs. This shows they are also 'alone' in their thoughts and purpose, highlighting a key aspect of modern city life.
7. What is the poet's final message to the reader at the end of the poem?
The poet's final message is an encouragement to be more mindful and appreciative of the world around us. Even though city life is fast and people are busy, the poet insists that we should take a moment to see the pleasure in it and feel connected to the hundreds of people we pass every day. It's a call to find connection amidst the chaos.
