Foliage (version 2)

Description

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.<br> 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.<br> Poetry was his staple throughout his life and he was eventually recognised for his talents.<br> Much of his poetry reflects on themes of hardship and the natural world.<br> Summary by Craig Franklin