This page features a video of the poem “The Kitten at Play”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 5th Standard English First Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
See the kitten on the wall,
Sporting with the leaves that fall,
Withered leaves, one, two and three
Falling from the elder tree,
Through the calm and frosty air
Of the morning bright and fair.
See the kitten, how she starts,
Crouches, stretches, paws and darts;
With a tiger-leap half way
Now she meets her coming prey
Let it go as fast and then
Has it in her power again.
Now she works with three and four,
Like an Indian conjuror;
Quick as he in feats of art;
Gracefully she plays her part;
Yet were gazing thousands there,
What would little Tabby care?
Sporting with the leaves that fall,
Withered leaves, one, two and three
Falling from the elder tree,
Through the calm and frosty air
Of the morning bright and fair.
See the kitten, how she starts,
Crouches, stretches, paws and darts;
With a tiger-leap half way
Now she meets her coming prey
Let it go as fast and then
Has it in her power again.
Now she works with three and four,
Like an Indian conjuror;
Quick as he in feats of art;
Gracefully she plays her part;
Yet were gazing thousands there,
What would little Tabby care?
Summary
The poem presents a lively kitten playing with dry leaves falling from
an elder tree. The kitten jumps, crouches, stretches, paws, and darts
after the moving leaves. It plays with great speed and grace, almost
like a skilled magician or a tiger hunting prey. Even if thousands of
people were watching, the little Tabby would remain completely absorbed
in its game. The poem celebrates the natural energy, freedom, and
playful joy of a young animal.
an elder tree. The kitten jumps, crouches, stretches, paws, and darts
after the moving leaves. It plays with great speed and grace, almost
like a skilled magician or a tiger hunting prey. Even if thousands of
people were watching, the little Tabby would remain completely absorbed
in its game. The poem celebrates the natural energy, freedom, and
playful joy of a young animal.
Author