Think and Reflect

Class 6 English · Chapter 5: A Friend's Prayer · NCERT Poorvi section pp. 54–55

Learn

Summary of the poem: the poet says a prayer for friendship. She wants friendship to be an important part of her whole life. Friends make her feel special. She wants to do her best for them, listen to their wishes, and help make them come true. She wants her heart to understand what a true friend is, and to love her friends as they are. True friends accept each other for all their qualities.

Why is this poem a prayer? It begins with "May…" and keeps asking "Let me…": it humbly asks for help to be a good friend, rather than demanding anything. Why does she want to do more? Because her friends care about her, and she wants to return that care, not just share their plans.

Does the speaker know her friends' wishes? Yes: to make someone's wishes come true, you must first listen and know what they hope for. Good friends pay attention to each other.

Judging from afar means forming an opinion about someone without really knowing them. The speaker wants to use her heart, not quick judgements. Think: have you ever changed your opinion of someone after getting to know them?

Explore: what kind of friend?

1. Sort each line idea.

Remember

• The poem is a prayer: it humbly asks to be a good, caring and thoughtful friend.
• True friends listen, help and accept each other as they are.

Quick check

Why can we call this poem a prayer?

1. It humbly asks for blessings, with "May…" and "Let me…"
2. It is about a festival
3. It is funny
4. It tells a story about animals

Think about it

Do you pray or wish for your friends? What would you wish for one friend?

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.