Six and Out Summary Class 6 English Skylark

About the Poet

Gerald Martineau is a well-known poet who captures everyday life experiences and emotions in his works. He has a unique way of blending simplicity with depth in his poetry, making his pieces relatable to readers of all ages.

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem describes a cricket match played by a school team in a somewhat imperfect setting.
• It highlights the challenges faced by the players due to disruptions from passing motor vans and bakers' carts.
• The school team is depicted as determined and unconventional, operating outside the norms set by traditional cricket clubs.
• The scorer of the match is portrayed as a multitasking individual who manages various roles during the game.
• An incident involving the shattering of a glass window adds a dramatic twist to the otherwise ordinary scene.
• The poem transitions to a reference about outdoor games and the author's observation of a group of players being confronted by an authoritative figure.

Detailed Summary

Stanza 1

The pitch was only smooth in parts;

It sank at either crease,

And motor vans and bakers’ carts

At times disturbed the peace.

In this poem, the poet talks about a place called the pitch. A pitch is like a field where people play games. But this pitch was not smooth everywhere; it had some rough parts. These rough parts made it hard for things like motor vans and bakers' carts (which are like small trucks that carry things) to move smoothly. Sometimes, these vehicles made noise and disrupted the peace of the place.

Stanza 2

The bowlers found it hard to hit

The lamp-post’s slender stem

The broader wicket opposite,

Was cleared at 6 p.m.

In this part of the poem, the poet talks about a lamp-post and a wicket. The bowlers, who are the players throwing a ball, found it difficult to aim their throw at the thin stem of the lamp-post. On the other side of the pitch, there was a wider wicket (like a gate in a game called cricket) that was cleared or made empty at 6 p.m., probably indicating the end of a game or day.

Stanza 3

It was a keen, determined school,

Unorthodox and free;

Harsh circumstance oft made the rule,

And not the MCC.

Here, the poet describes the pitch as a school. This school was different—it was not traditional but rather unique and independent. The rules were often made by difficult situations that arose, not by a formal group like the MCC (which could be a cricket organization). This school of the pitch seemed to adapt to challenges in its own way.

Stanza 4

The scorer, seated by the well,

Kept up a fire of talk;

He was both umpires, crowd, and all,

And plied a busy chalk.

In this part, the poet talks about a person called the scorer who was sitting near a well. This person kept talking a lot, probably about the game being played. Interestingly, this scorer played many roles—he acted as both the umpires (who make decisions in the game), the crowd (people watching the game), and more. Additionally, the scorer was busy marking or writing with chalk, indicating he was keeping track of something.

Stanza 5

So, standing musing on the scene,

I let the moments pass;

How well he drove it to the screen.

And then—the crash of glass.

In this stanza, the poet is lost in thought while watching the game. He watches a player hit the ball strongly towards the screen (a part of the game setup). Just as the poet appreciates the shot, there is a sudden sound of breaking glass, probably because the ball hit something delicate or fragile. This moment changes the peaceful scene into something unexpected.

Stanza 6

I watched the players as they ran,

And heard, while yet they fled,

The loud voice of an angry man,

The law’s majestic tread.

The poet observes the players running in the field and hears the voice of an angry man as they move away. This man might be upset about something happening in the game. The mention of "the law's majestic tread" could suggest that someone in authority, maybe like a referee, is coming to handle the situation. The poem ends with the poet reflecting on this scene. 

Theme/ Message

Theme: The theme of the poem revolves around the idea of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. It portrays a group of individuals, the school team, who navigate through disruptions and unexpected events while maintaining their focus and determination to play the game.

Message: Through the depiction of the cricket match and the subsequent incident, the poem conveys a message of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles. It emphasizes the importance of staying committed to one's goals despite external disturbances and unforeseen circumstances.

Difficult Words

1. Keen: Eager or enthusiastic.
2. Unorthodox: Contrary to what is usual or traditional.
3. Circumstance: A fact or condition connected with an event or action.
4. Umpires: Officials who ensure that the rules of a game are followed.
5. Chalk: A soft, white, porous sedimentary rock.
6. Musing: Engaged in deep thought or contemplation.
7. Majestic: Having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
8. Reluctant: Unwilling or hesitant.
9. Confronted: Faced or dealt with a difficult situation.
10. Authoritative: Commanding and self-confident.

Conclusion