Run!
'Run! Run! Run! Away from the city and into the sun.'
1. About the Poem
Poet: Mary Daunt Theme: Freedom, nature, movement, and the joy of being outdoors
The poem calls children to RUN — out of the house, away from the city, into the countryside. It celebrates the PURE JOY of running freely through fields and meadows.
2. The Poem
Run! Run! Run! Away from the city And into the sun. Out through the gateway, Over the grass, Run! Run! Run! While the merry wind blows And the minutes pass.
Run! Run! Run! Through the green meadow, Over the hill, Down where the brook Is babbling still. Run! Run! Run! While the sun is bright And your heart is light.
3. Understanding the Poem
What the Poem Describes
- Running AWAY from the city (perhaps to escape noise and busyness)
- Running INTO the sun and nature
- Moving through DIFFERENT places — gateway, grass, meadow, hill
- Hearing the brook (small stream) BABBLING
- Feeling the WIND and the SUN
Feelings in the Poem
- Freedom — no walls, no roofs, just open space
- Joy — running makes the heart light
- Energy — the poem uses short, fast words: Run! Run! Run!
- Connection with nature — wind, sun, grass, water
4. What We Learn
Why Running is Good For You
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Strong muscles | Running makes your legs and heart stronger |
| Fresh air | Being outdoors fills your lungs with clean air |
| Happiness | Exercise makes your brain release HAPPY chemicals |
| Energy | Running gives you more ENERGY, not less |
| Sleep | Active children sleep BETTER at night |
City vs Countryside
| City | Countryside |
|---|---|
| Tall buildings | Open fields |
| Traffic noise | Birds singing |
| Crowded streets | Empty meadows |
| Hot concrete | Cool grass |
| Fast life | Calm and peaceful |
5. New Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Merry | Happy and cheerful |
| Meadow | A field of grass and wildflowers |
| Brook | A small stream of water |
| Babbling | Making a gentle, bubbling sound |
| Gateway | An entrance or opening |
| Light (heart) | Happy, not worried |
6. Key Facts
- The poem has a FAST RHYTHM — the words themselves feel like running
- 'Run! Run! Run!' is repeated to create ENERGY and urgency
- The poem encourages OUTDOOR play and physical activity
- Mary Daunt wrote poems that celebrate NATURE and childhood
- Running in NATURE is better than running in a crowded city
7. Common Mistakes
'Do NOT think the poem is ONLY about running fast — it is about FREEDOM and JOY.' 'Do NOT confuse 'brook' with 'creek' — both are small streams. Brook is slightly smaller.' 'Do NOT miss the RHYTHM. Read the poem FAST to feel the running feeling.' 'Do NOT forget that 'merry wind' is a FIGURATIVE expression — wind is not actually happy, it just feels nice.'
8. Fun Activity
Run and Feel Go to a park or open ground. Run for 2 minutes. How do you feel? What do you see, hear, and smell while running? Write it down.
Draw Your Route Draw a picture showing the runner's journey — from the city gate, across the grass, through the meadow, over the hill, and down to the brook.
Write Your Own Poem Write a 4-line poem about running. Use short, fast words. Start with 'Run! Run! Run!'
9. Self-Test
Q1. Who wrote the poem 'Run!'? Answer: Mary Daunt
Q2. Where does the poem ask us to run — towards or away from the city? Answer: Away from the city and into the sun/nature
Q3. Name three places the runner goes in the poem. Answer: Through the gateway, over the grass, through the meadow, over the hill, down to the brook (any three)
Q4. What sound does the brook make in the poem? Answer: It is babbling (a gentle, bubbling sound)
Q5. How does the poet describe the wind? Answer: As merry (happy and cheerful)
Q6. What does 'your heart is light' mean? Answer: It means you feel happy and free, without worries.
10. Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Meadow | A grassy field |
| Brook | A small stream |
| Babbling | Making a gentle water sound |
| Merry | Cheerful and happy |
| Gateway | An entrance or passage |
| Countryside | Land outside cities with fields and farms |
