Textbook: The Alchemy of Nature | English Kumarbharati Class 10 (Maharashtra SSC Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


 The Alchemy of Nature
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
     - William Blake
Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can 
spark off an idea or imagination of a huge 
significance to the world. One can witness and 
experience the beauty of Heaven in something as 
small as wild flower and derive  joy forever. Only 
one should have the eyes and time to see it. 
Infinity is endless space; but your small palm 
can hold the destiny of earth through your efforts. 
Eternity is endless time; but just an hour in 
your life can make a difference to the world 
forever. 
(Great deeds can surpass the limits of time 
and space. They never die.)
We instinctively turn to outdoor activities and 
nature as a way of relaxing and enhancing our well 
being. Nature soothes and nurtures. Nature fulfils and 
motivates. Nature whispers and commands.
Are you listening ?
When I do, it leaves me in complete awe.
We have a hibiscus plant in our garden. Every 
fortnight a flower blooms on it - big, bright and tender. 
Through the day it smiles with the sun and dances 
with the wind, but as evening approaches, it starts 
wilting. The morning after, it withers completely and 
by evening it falls and becomes one with the earth 
again. The flower comes to life only for a day, yet it 
does so in full splendour. What if we too lived our 
life, however short, to its fullest ? 
We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of 
the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, 
sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, 
 Guess the 
 meaning of :
l splendour  
l withers : dries and 
decays
l wilting : drying and 
drooping
l instinctively : by a 
natural instinct
l awe : great wonder 
and amazement
ö What role does nature 
play in our lives?
ö How does the 
Hibiscus flower make 
the most of its short 
life span ?
l enhancing : enriching
38
Page 2


 The Alchemy of Nature
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
     - William Blake
Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can 
spark off an idea or imagination of a huge 
significance to the world. One can witness and 
experience the beauty of Heaven in something as 
small as wild flower and derive  joy forever. Only 
one should have the eyes and time to see it. 
Infinity is endless space; but your small palm 
can hold the destiny of earth through your efforts. 
Eternity is endless time; but just an hour in 
your life can make a difference to the world 
forever. 
(Great deeds can surpass the limits of time 
and space. They never die.)
We instinctively turn to outdoor activities and 
nature as a way of relaxing and enhancing our well 
being. Nature soothes and nurtures. Nature fulfils and 
motivates. Nature whispers and commands.
Are you listening ?
When I do, it leaves me in complete awe.
We have a hibiscus plant in our garden. Every 
fortnight a flower blooms on it - big, bright and tender. 
Through the day it smiles with the sun and dances 
with the wind, but as evening approaches, it starts 
wilting. The morning after, it withers completely and 
by evening it falls and becomes one with the earth 
again. The flower comes to life only for a day, yet it 
does so in full splendour. What if we too lived our 
life, however short, to its fullest ? 
We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of 
the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, 
sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, 
 Guess the 
 meaning of :
l splendour  
l withers : dries and 
decays
l wilting : drying and 
drooping
l instinctively : by a 
natural instinct
l awe : great wonder 
and amazement
ö What role does nature 
play in our lives?
ö How does the 
Hibiscus flower make 
the most of its short 
life span ?
l enhancing : enriching
38 39
rock so hard, yet, as the water flows over it every day, 
for years, the rock gives in. It takes the shape that the 
water commands. Our problems are so colossal and we 
are so small, yet if we persist...
We saw small bits of grass peeping through the 
small cracks in a concrete pavement. It left us thinking 
: however impossible things may look, there is always 
an opening...
We saw a tree bare of all leaves in the cold winter 
months. We thought its chapter was over. But three 
months passed, spring set in and the tree was back to 
its green majesty once again, full of leaves, flowers, 
birds and life. What if we too had the conviction that, 
however difficult things are right now, it will not 
remain so for ever. Remember, this too shall pass.
We saw an army of ants lugging a fly which was 
at least ten times the ant’s size. The ants organized 
themselves around the fly, lifted it on frail feelers and 
carried it to quite a distance. Their teamwork and 
perseverance were impressive. What if we too are 
consistent, organized, focused...Spider webs are delicate, 
yet very strong. A rainbow colours the entire sky. 
Oysters take in a grain of sand they open up with a 
pearl. Innumerable stars shine across the infinite sky. 
Clouds take new shapes with every passing moment. 
The wind makes trees dance with unhindered passion. 
Water, without hint of ego, changes its form according 
to the dictates of the sun and the wind. When we see 
a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, a flower turn into a 
fruit, we experience the alchemy of nature... we touch 
it and become gold ourselves.
- Raksha Bharadia
ALCHEMY
 An ancient forerunner of Chemistry, about 
attempts to convert base metals into gold (Here, it refers 
to a mysterious, magical process of transforming things.)
l alchemy : mysterious 
power or magic that 
can change things
l unhindered : without  
 disturbance
l consistent : steady
l conviction : strong, 
firm belief
l frail feelers : weak 
legs
l lugging : pulling with 
great difficulty
l colossal : huge, 
massive
ö ? Who is stronger- water  
       or rocks? Justify your    
       response .
ö What teaches us that  
    hard times do not last  
    forever? How?
l chapter was over :  
  life was over
l perseverance : 
constant efforts 
inspite of obstacle
Page 3


 The Alchemy of Nature
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
     - William Blake
Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can 
spark off an idea or imagination of a huge 
significance to the world. One can witness and 
experience the beauty of Heaven in something as 
small as wild flower and derive  joy forever. Only 
one should have the eyes and time to see it. 
Infinity is endless space; but your small palm 
can hold the destiny of earth through your efforts. 
Eternity is endless time; but just an hour in 
your life can make a difference to the world 
forever. 
(Great deeds can surpass the limits of time 
and space. They never die.)
We instinctively turn to outdoor activities and 
nature as a way of relaxing and enhancing our well 
being. Nature soothes and nurtures. Nature fulfils and 
motivates. Nature whispers and commands.
Are you listening ?
When I do, it leaves me in complete awe.
We have a hibiscus plant in our garden. Every 
fortnight a flower blooms on it - big, bright and tender. 
Through the day it smiles with the sun and dances 
with the wind, but as evening approaches, it starts 
wilting. The morning after, it withers completely and 
by evening it falls and becomes one with the earth 
again. The flower comes to life only for a day, yet it 
does so in full splendour. What if we too lived our 
life, however short, to its fullest ? 
We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of 
the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, 
sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, 
 Guess the 
 meaning of :
l splendour  
l withers : dries and 
decays
l wilting : drying and 
drooping
l instinctively : by a 
natural instinct
l awe : great wonder 
and amazement
ö What role does nature 
play in our lives?
ö How does the 
Hibiscus flower make 
the most of its short 
life span ?
l enhancing : enriching
38 39
rock so hard, yet, as the water flows over it every day, 
for years, the rock gives in. It takes the shape that the 
water commands. Our problems are so colossal and we 
are so small, yet if we persist...
We saw small bits of grass peeping through the 
small cracks in a concrete pavement. It left us thinking 
: however impossible things may look, there is always 
an opening...
We saw a tree bare of all leaves in the cold winter 
months. We thought its chapter was over. But three 
months passed, spring set in and the tree was back to 
its green majesty once again, full of leaves, flowers, 
birds and life. What if we too had the conviction that, 
however difficult things are right now, it will not 
remain so for ever. Remember, this too shall pass.
We saw an army of ants lugging a fly which was 
at least ten times the ant’s size. The ants organized 
themselves around the fly, lifted it on frail feelers and 
carried it to quite a distance. Their teamwork and 
perseverance were impressive. What if we too are 
consistent, organized, focused...Spider webs are delicate, 
yet very strong. A rainbow colours the entire sky. 
Oysters take in a grain of sand they open up with a 
pearl. Innumerable stars shine across the infinite sky. 
Clouds take new shapes with every passing moment. 
The wind makes trees dance with unhindered passion. 
Water, without hint of ego, changes its form according 
to the dictates of the sun and the wind. When we see 
a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, a flower turn into a 
fruit, we experience the alchemy of nature... we touch 
it and become gold ourselves.
- Raksha Bharadia
ALCHEMY
 An ancient forerunner of Chemistry, about 
attempts to convert base metals into gold (Here, it refers 
to a mysterious, magical process of transforming things.)
l alchemy : mysterious 
power or magic that 
can change things
l unhindered : without  
 disturbance
l consistent : steady
l conviction : strong, 
firm belief
l frail feelers : weak 
legs
l lugging : pulling with 
great difficulty
l colossal : huge, 
massive
ö ? Who is stronger- water  
       or rocks? Justify your    
       response .
ö What teaches us that  
    hard times do not last  
    forever? How?
l chapter was over :  
  life was over
l perseverance : 
constant efforts 
inspite of obstacle
1. What things in nature teach us the following :
(a) Nothing is impossible to achieve
(b) Problems are not permanent
(c) Be humble and adjust
(d) Make the best use of time and opportunity
(e) Be persistent
(f) Many hands make work light
(g) Delicate structures are not a sign of weakness
2. Read the questions from the lesson. What do they imply?
(a) Are you listening?
(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest?
(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused . . . ?
3. Go through the lesson again and complete the flow-chart that highlights the life
of a ‘hibiscus’ flower.
ENGLISH WORKSHOP 
What does Nature do 
for human beings ?
motivates
3 2
1
4
4. Fill in the web.
40
Page 4


 The Alchemy of Nature
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
     - William Blake
Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can 
spark off an idea or imagination of a huge 
significance to the world. One can witness and 
experience the beauty of Heaven in something as 
small as wild flower and derive  joy forever. Only 
one should have the eyes and time to see it. 
Infinity is endless space; but your small palm 
can hold the destiny of earth through your efforts. 
Eternity is endless time; but just an hour in 
your life can make a difference to the world 
forever. 
(Great deeds can surpass the limits of time 
and space. They never die.)
We instinctively turn to outdoor activities and 
nature as a way of relaxing and enhancing our well 
being. Nature soothes and nurtures. Nature fulfils and 
motivates. Nature whispers and commands.
Are you listening ?
When I do, it leaves me in complete awe.
We have a hibiscus plant in our garden. Every 
fortnight a flower blooms on it - big, bright and tender. 
Through the day it smiles with the sun and dances 
with the wind, but as evening approaches, it starts 
wilting. The morning after, it withers completely and 
by evening it falls and becomes one with the earth 
again. The flower comes to life only for a day, yet it 
does so in full splendour. What if we too lived our 
life, however short, to its fullest ? 
We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of 
the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, 
sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, 
 Guess the 
 meaning of :
l splendour  
l withers : dries and 
decays
l wilting : drying and 
drooping
l instinctively : by a 
natural instinct
l awe : great wonder 
and amazement
ö What role does nature 
play in our lives?
ö How does the 
Hibiscus flower make 
the most of its short 
life span ?
l enhancing : enriching
38 39
rock so hard, yet, as the water flows over it every day, 
for years, the rock gives in. It takes the shape that the 
water commands. Our problems are so colossal and we 
are so small, yet if we persist...
We saw small bits of grass peeping through the 
small cracks in a concrete pavement. It left us thinking 
: however impossible things may look, there is always 
an opening...
We saw a tree bare of all leaves in the cold winter 
months. We thought its chapter was over. But three 
months passed, spring set in and the tree was back to 
its green majesty once again, full of leaves, flowers, 
birds and life. What if we too had the conviction that, 
however difficult things are right now, it will not 
remain so for ever. Remember, this too shall pass.
We saw an army of ants lugging a fly which was 
at least ten times the ant’s size. The ants organized 
themselves around the fly, lifted it on frail feelers and 
carried it to quite a distance. Their teamwork and 
perseverance were impressive. What if we too are 
consistent, organized, focused...Spider webs are delicate, 
yet very strong. A rainbow colours the entire sky. 
Oysters take in a grain of sand they open up with a 
pearl. Innumerable stars shine across the infinite sky. 
Clouds take new shapes with every passing moment. 
The wind makes trees dance with unhindered passion. 
Water, without hint of ego, changes its form according 
to the dictates of the sun and the wind. When we see 
a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, a flower turn into a 
fruit, we experience the alchemy of nature... we touch 
it and become gold ourselves.
- Raksha Bharadia
ALCHEMY
 An ancient forerunner of Chemistry, about 
attempts to convert base metals into gold (Here, it refers 
to a mysterious, magical process of transforming things.)
l alchemy : mysterious 
power or magic that 
can change things
l unhindered : without  
 disturbance
l consistent : steady
l conviction : strong, 
firm belief
l frail feelers : weak 
legs
l lugging : pulling with 
great difficulty
l colossal : huge, 
massive
ö ? Who is stronger- water  
       or rocks? Justify your    
       response .
ö What teaches us that  
    hard times do not last  
    forever? How?
l chapter was over :  
  life was over
l perseverance : 
constant efforts 
inspite of obstacle
1. What things in nature teach us the following :
(a) Nothing is impossible to achieve
(b) Problems are not permanent
(c) Be humble and adjust
(d) Make the best use of time and opportunity
(e) Be persistent
(f) Many hands make work light
(g) Delicate structures are not a sign of weakness
2. Read the questions from the lesson. What do they imply?
(a) Are you listening?
(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest?
(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused . . . ?
3. Go through the lesson again and complete the flow-chart that highlights the life
of a ‘hibiscus’ flower.
ENGLISH WORKSHOP 
What does Nature do 
for human beings ?
motivates
3 2
1
4
4. Fill in the web.
40
41
5. The writer explains the contrasting features of ‘water’ and ‘rock’ in the lesson.
Write all the features of both water and rock in the given table.
Water Rock
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
6. The writer has very positively described the different things in nature. Discuss
with your partner the special features of each one of them. Add on the list.
Part of Nature Special feature Value learnt
1. Rainbow
2. Caterpillar
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
7. Think and answer in your own words.
(a) How should you deal with difficulties and problems?
(b) ‘An oyster turns a grain of sand into a pearl.’ What can we learn from this
example?
(c) How does nature succeed in its ‘Alchemy’? What can it turn a small person
into?
(d) Which two aspects of nature teach us to accept change and adjust according
to the situation?
(e) Why does the writer begin by quoting the lines from William Blake’s poem
(Auguries of Innocence)?
8. (A) Pick out from the lesson 10 examples of each.
l Concrete Nouns (that you can touch or see)
For example, sand
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Page 5


 The Alchemy of Nature
To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
     - William Blake
Something, as tiny as a grain of sand, can 
spark off an idea or imagination of a huge 
significance to the world. One can witness and 
experience the beauty of Heaven in something as 
small as wild flower and derive  joy forever. Only 
one should have the eyes and time to see it. 
Infinity is endless space; but your small palm 
can hold the destiny of earth through your efforts. 
Eternity is endless time; but just an hour in 
your life can make a difference to the world 
forever. 
(Great deeds can surpass the limits of time 
and space. They never die.)
We instinctively turn to outdoor activities and 
nature as a way of relaxing and enhancing our well 
being. Nature soothes and nurtures. Nature fulfils and 
motivates. Nature whispers and commands.
Are you listening ?
When I do, it leaves me in complete awe.
We have a hibiscus plant in our garden. Every 
fortnight a flower blooms on it - big, bright and tender. 
Through the day it smiles with the sun and dances 
with the wind, but as evening approaches, it starts 
wilting. The morning after, it withers completely and 
by evening it falls and becomes one with the earth 
again. The flower comes to life only for a day, yet it 
does so in full splendour. What if we too lived our 
life, however short, to its fullest ? 
We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of 
the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, 
sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, 
 Guess the 
 meaning of :
l splendour  
l withers : dries and 
decays
l wilting : drying and 
drooping
l instinctively : by a 
natural instinct
l awe : great wonder 
and amazement
ö What role does nature 
play in our lives?
ö How does the 
Hibiscus flower make 
the most of its short 
life span ?
l enhancing : enriching
38 39
rock so hard, yet, as the water flows over it every day, 
for years, the rock gives in. It takes the shape that the 
water commands. Our problems are so colossal and we 
are so small, yet if we persist...
We saw small bits of grass peeping through the 
small cracks in a concrete pavement. It left us thinking 
: however impossible things may look, there is always 
an opening...
We saw a tree bare of all leaves in the cold winter 
months. We thought its chapter was over. But three 
months passed, spring set in and the tree was back to 
its green majesty once again, full of leaves, flowers, 
birds and life. What if we too had the conviction that, 
however difficult things are right now, it will not 
remain so for ever. Remember, this too shall pass.
We saw an army of ants lugging a fly which was 
at least ten times the ant’s size. The ants organized 
themselves around the fly, lifted it on frail feelers and 
carried it to quite a distance. Their teamwork and 
perseverance were impressive. What if we too are 
consistent, organized, focused...Spider webs are delicate, 
yet very strong. A rainbow colours the entire sky. 
Oysters take in a grain of sand they open up with a 
pearl. Innumerable stars shine across the infinite sky. 
Clouds take new shapes with every passing moment. 
The wind makes trees dance with unhindered passion. 
Water, without hint of ego, changes its form according 
to the dictates of the sun and the wind. When we see 
a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, a flower turn into a 
fruit, we experience the alchemy of nature... we touch 
it and become gold ourselves.
- Raksha Bharadia
ALCHEMY
 An ancient forerunner of Chemistry, about 
attempts to convert base metals into gold (Here, it refers 
to a mysterious, magical process of transforming things.)
l alchemy : mysterious 
power or magic that 
can change things
l unhindered : without  
 disturbance
l consistent : steady
l conviction : strong, 
firm belief
l frail feelers : weak 
legs
l lugging : pulling with 
great difficulty
l colossal : huge, 
massive
ö ? Who is stronger- water  
       or rocks? Justify your    
       response .
ö What teaches us that  
    hard times do not last  
    forever? How?
l chapter was over :  
  life was over
l perseverance : 
constant efforts 
inspite of obstacle
1. What things in nature teach us the following :
(a) Nothing is impossible to achieve
(b) Problems are not permanent
(c) Be humble and adjust
(d) Make the best use of time and opportunity
(e) Be persistent
(f) Many hands make work light
(g) Delicate structures are not a sign of weakness
2. Read the questions from the lesson. What do they imply?
(a) Are you listening?
(b) What if we too lived our lives, however short, to its fullest?
(c) What if we too are consistent, organised, focused . . . ?
3. Go through the lesson again and complete the flow-chart that highlights the life
of a ‘hibiscus’ flower.
ENGLISH WORKSHOP 
What does Nature do 
for human beings ?
motivates
3 2
1
4
4. Fill in the web.
40
41
5. The writer explains the contrasting features of ‘water’ and ‘rock’ in the lesson.
Write all the features of both water and rock in the given table.
Water Rock
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
6. The writer has very positively described the different things in nature. Discuss
with your partner the special features of each one of them. Add on the list.
Part of Nature Special feature Value learnt
1. Rainbow
2. Caterpillar
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
7. Think and answer in your own words.
(a) How should you deal with difficulties and problems?
(b) ‘An oyster turns a grain of sand into a pearl.’ What can we learn from this
example?
(c) How does nature succeed in its ‘Alchemy’? What can it turn a small person
into?
(d) Which two aspects of nature teach us to accept change and adjust according
to the situation?
(e) Why does the writer begin by quoting the lines from William Blake’s poem
(Auguries of Innocence)?
8. (A) Pick out from the lesson 10 examples of each.
l Concrete Nouns (that you can touch or see)
For example, sand
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
    (8) 
    (9) 
    (10) 
l Abstract Nouns (that which you cannot touch or see)
For example, infinity
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(B) Underline the verbs in the sentences below and say whether they are
 Transitive (needing an Object) or Intransitive (need not have an Object).
 (1) One can witness and experience the beauty of Heaven.
 (2) It leaves me in complete awe.
 (3) Nature soothes and nurtures.
 (4) It withers completely.
 (5) The flower comes to life only for a day.
 (6) A rainbow colours the entire sky.
 (7) It smiles and dances.
9. (A) Compose about 8 to 10 sets of imaginary dialogues between a bird, a tree
  and its fruit regarding the effects of environmental changes. Write it in 
  your notebook. 
(B) Prepare a Fact file of any of the following plants/trees, using the points given.
[coconut / neem / basil / cactus / apple]
 l Name of Plant/Tree
 l Scientific name
l Region and climate
 l Features
 l Growth
 l Size, shape and colour
 l Uses
 l Any special feature
42