Summary: Four Little Foxes | Gul Mohar Class 6: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

About the Poet

Lew Sarett was an American poet, teacher, and lecturer. He also worked as a forest ranger and guide, which inspired many of his nature-themed poems. His works often show compassion for animals and the natural world.

Detailed Summary (Stanza-wise)

Stanza 1

Speak gently, Spring, and make no sudden sound;
For in my windy valley, yesterday, I found
New-born foxes squirming on the ground—
Speak gently.

Explanation:
The poet finds tiny newborn foxes lying on the ground in a windy valley. They are very small and weak, so he asks Spring (the season) to be gentle and quiet so the little foxes are not scared. This shows how delicate and helpless they are.

Stanza 2

Walk softly, March, forbear the bitter blow;
Her feet within a trap, her blood upon the snow,
The four little foxes saw their mother go—
Walk softly.

Explanation:
The mother fox has been caught in a trap, and she is hurt and bleeding. The little foxes watch their mother in pain. The poet asks March (the month with cold, strong winds) to be soft and gentle, emphasizing how dangerous nature can be for young animals.

Stanza 3

Go lightly, Spring, oh, give them no alarm;
When I covered them with boughs to shelter them from harm,
The thin blue foxes suckled at my arm—
Go lightly.

Explanation:
The poet tries to protect the little foxes by covering them with branches. They are very cold, hungry, and weak (“thin blue”). Despite being strangers, they trust the poet and suckle at his arm. This shows their innocence and their need for care and safety.

Stanza 4

Step softly, March, with your rampant hurricane;
Nuzzling one another, and whimpering with pain,
The new little foxes are shivering in the rain—
Step softly.

Explanation:
The little foxes are cold, wet, and scared in the rain. They comfort each other by nuzzling and whining softly. The poet again asks March to be gentle, showing his concern. The stanza highlights the fragility of young animals and how they rely on protection and care.

Moral / Message

The poem teaches compassion and kindness towards animals. It shows that young and weak creatures need care and protection. Humans should be gentle and considerate, helping animals survive harsh conditions.

Vocabulary Table

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