The poem begins with a vivid description of the speaker's surroundings: "I have no gold, nor silver, nor fine clothes,/Only a few old books and a few old friends." This sets the stage for the speaker's reflections on the nature of leisure and the pursuit of happiness. He goes on to say, "I have not much to eat or drink,/But I have enough to keep me going." This suggests that the speaker is not wealthy, but he is content with what he has.
In the second stanza, the speaker contrasts his own life with that of the wealthy and powerful: "I have not much to do or say,/But I have enough to keep me busy./I have not many friends, but those I have/Are true and kind." This suggests that the speaker is not as concerned with material possessions or status as he is with having a simple, fulfilling life.
The third stanza introduces the theme of nature and its role in providing leisure and contentment. The speaker says, "I love to walk in the woods and fields,/And watch the birds and flowers grow./I love to sit by the sea and watch/The waves come and go." This suggests that the speaker finds peace and joy in the simple beauty of nature.
In the fourth and final stanza, the speaker concludes by saying, "I have no need for wealth or power,/For I have all I need in life." This sums up the main theme of the poem: that true leisure and contentment can be found in simple things and moments, rather than in material possessions or grand pursuits.