The poem discusses how playing sports and games can provide small moments of joy and mirth in an otherwise sad life, helping to sustain people physically and mentally. It references keeping "the bones of man from lying" on the earth, implying that such activities keep people alive and healthy in body. The analysis notes that while the author doesn't know cricket, they are learning about it, and agrees that finding happiness through sports prevents sadness and keeps people alive.

3. Twice a Week the
Winter Thorough
A.E. Houseman

4. Try I will; no harm in trying:
Wonder ‘tis how little mirth.
Keep the bones of man from lying.
On the bed of earth.

5. Paraphrase
I don’t know cricket but I am learning it.
There is no harm in trying to learn a
sports. In this life that offers sadness,
the little happiness we can get by
playing cricket or football or anything
keeps us alive.

6. 1.Which word in the poem
means ‘delight’?
2. What advice does the poet
give to the readers in the last
stanza?

7. 1.Mirth.
2.Keep your healthy by being
happy. Sports and games keep
people healthy and happy.