Foliage (version 2)


Read by Craig Franklin

W.H.Davies was born in Newport, South Wales. He had a difficult childhood and spent several years in the US as a tramp or hobo. He spent one winter moving between jails in Michigan under the ‘boodle’ system; an illicit system where a tramp could make an arrangement to be housed in a prison without being an actual prisoner. He later lost his right foot below the knee after a failed attempt to jump a freight train in Ontario on a journey to the Klondike to try to make his fortune.
On his return to the UK he continued to live rough or in doss-houses for some time, before eventually settling down with his wife Helen and moving on to a quiet and happy life.
Poetry was his staple throughout his life and he was eventually recognised for his talents.
Much of his poetry reflects on themes of hardship and the natural world.
Summary by Craig Franklin (1 hr 5 min)

Chapters

Thunderstorms 0:45 Read by Craig Franklin
Strong Moments 1:00 Read by Craig Franklin
A Greeting 1:07 Read by Craig Franklin
Sweet Stay-A-Home 1:58 Read by Craig Franklin
The Starved 1:26 Read by Craig Franklin
A May Morning 1:05 Read by Craig Franklin
The Lonely Dreamer 1:06 Read by Craig Franklin
Christmas 2:23 Read by Craig Franklin
Laughing Rose 0:59 Read by Craig Franklin
Seeking Joy 1:03 Read by Craig Franklin
The Old Oak Tree 1:29 Read by Craig Franklin
Poor Kings 0:56 Read by Craig Franklin
Love and The Muse 1:03 Read by Craig Franklin
My Youth 0:47 Read by Craig Franklin
Smiles 0:54 Read by Craig Franklin
Mad Poll 1:25 Read by Craig Franklin
Joy Supreme 1:36 Read by Craig Franklin
Francis Thompson 1:57 Read by Craig Franklin
The Bird-Man 1:09 Read by Craig Franklin
Winter Beauty 1:23 Read by Craig Franklin
The Church Organ 0:46 Read by Craig Franklin
Heigh Ho, The Rain 0:53 Read by Craig Franklin
Loves Inspiration 1:10 Read by Craig Franklin
Night Wanderers 1:06 Read by Craig Franklin
Young Beauty 0:58 Read by Craig Franklin
Who I know 1:08 Read by Craig Franklin
Sweet Birds I come 0:48 Read by Craig Franklin
The Two Lives 1:10 Read by Craig Franklin
Hidden Love 1:43 Read by Craig Franklin
Life is Jolly 1:20 Read by Craig Franklin
The Fog 1:18 Read by Craig Franklin
A Woman's Charms 2:00 Read by Craig Franklin
Dreams of the Sea 1:46 Read by Craig Franklin
The Wonder Maker 1:09 Read by Craig Franklin
The Helpless 1:03 Read by Craig Franklin
An Early Love 1:17 Read by Craig Franklin
Dream Tragedies 1:38 Read by Craig Franklin
Children At Play 1:19 Read by Craig Franklin
When the Cuckoo Sings 1:09 Read by Craig Franklin
Return to Nature 9:13 Read by Craig Franklin
A Strange City 7:17 Read by Craig Franklin