Holding Hands

Leonore M Link

Elephants walking

Along the trails

Are holding hands

By holding tails

Trunks and tails

Are handy things

When elephants walk

In Circus rings.

And when they walk

It never fails

They’re holding hands

By holding tails.

হাত ধরা
লিওনর এম লিঙ্ক

হাঁটছে হাতি
পথ বেয়ে ধীরে,
লেজ ধরে রাখে
হাত ধরার নীড়ে।
ঝুঁটি আর লেজ—
দারুণ সব জিনিস,
সার্কাসে হাঁটায়
থাকে কাজে নিঃশেষ।

আর যখনই হাঁটে
ভুল হয় না কভু,
লেজ ধরে রাখে
হাত ধরার রবু।

1. What is the title of the poem?
   The title of the poem is “Holding Hands.” It refers to the way elephants walk together.
2. Who wrote the poem?
   Leonore M Link wrote the poem. She created a playful image of elephants.
3. What animals are mentioned in the poem?
   Elephants are the animals mentioned. They are shown walking together.
4. Where are the elephants walking?
   They are walking along trails and in circus rings. The poem describes both natural and performance settings.
5. What are the elephants holding?
   They are holding each other’s tails. This is described as “holding hands.”
6. Why do elephants hold tails?
   To stay connected while walking. It helps them move in a line.
7. When do they hold tails?
   They hold tails while walking. Especially when walking in circus rings.
8. Who is holding whose tail?
   Each elephant holds the tail of the one in front. It forms a chain-like line.
9. What part of the body do they use to hold tails?
   They use their trunks. Trunks are strong and flexible.
10. Why are trunks and tails called “handy”?
    Because they help the elephants hold on to each other.
    It’s a playful way of saying they are useful.
11. Where do elephants walk in a performance?
    They walk in circus rings. This is a controlled setting for entertainment.
12. What does “holding hands” mean in the poem?
    It means staying connected by holding tails. It’s a metaphor for closeness.
13. Why does the poet repeat “holding hands by holding tails”?
    To emphasize the cute behavior of elephants. It also creates a rhythmic ending.
14. What does the word “fails” rhyme with?
    It rhymes with “tails.” This creates musicality in the poem.
15. Who walks in a line in the poem?
    Elephants walk in a line. They do this by holding tails.
16. What helps elephants stay together?
    Their trunks and tails. They use these to form a connection.
17. How do elephants use their trunks?
    They use them to hold tails. It helps keep the group together.
18. Why might the poet have chosen elephants?
    Because elephants are known for their gentle, social nature. They often walk in groups.
19. What emotion does the poem express?
    The poem expresses warmth and togetherness. It shows unity in a charming way.
20. What kind of setting is mentioned besides trails?
    Circus rings are mentioned. This suggests elephants are performing.
21. Why are tails important in the poem?
    Because they help the elephants stay linked. Tails are used like hands.
22. When do elephants form a line?
    When they are walking. Especially in circus or trail settings.
23. What shows that elephants are cooperative?
    They hold each other’s tails while walking. This shows teamwork.
24. Why might children enjoy this poem?
    It has a playful rhythm and cute imagery. The concept is simple and fun.
25. Who might be watching the elephants in the circus?
    An audience in the circus. Though not mentioned, it’s implied.
26. What does the poem teach us?
    It teaches the value of connection and working together. It shows harmony through animals.
27. How do elephants walk in the circus?
    In an organized line, holding each other’s tails. It looks neat and disciplined.
28. What kind of tails are described?
    Elephant tails. They are sturdy enough to be held.
29. Why do elephants never fail to hold tails?
    Because it’s their habit. It keeps the group together.
30. Where do elephants walk naturally?
    On trails. That’s their natural path.
31. What literary device is used in “holding hands by holding tails”?
    The poet compares tail-holding to hand-holding.
32. Why is the image of “holding hands” meaningful?
    It symbolizes unity and care. Even animals can show closeness.
33. How many elephants are likely in the line?
    More than two, since they form a chain. The poem doesn’t give an exact number.
34. Where do elephants use their trunks the most?
    While walking and grabbing tails. Trunks are multi-purpose tools.
35. What kind of rings do elephants walk in?
    Circus rings. It’s a round performance area.
36. What makes the poem sound rhythmic?
    The repetition and rhyme. Words like “tails” and “fails” enhance flow.
37. Who might teach the elephants to walk like that?
    Circus trainers in performances. But in nature, elephants naturally follow one another.
38. What is the main message of the poem?
    Togetherness and coordination. Even animals move in harmony.
39. Why is the poem suitable for children?
    It has simple language and a cute theme. It encourages kindness and teamwork.
40. What do elephants use instead of hands?
    They use their trunks and tails. These act like hands for them.
41. When does the poem say “it never fails”?
    When elephants are walking.
    They always hold tails.
42. Who do elephants rely on when walking?
    Each other. They form a linked group.
43. What makes the poem feel cheerful?
    The light tone and repetition. It gives a sense of playfulness.
44. Why is holding tails a clever way to stay together?
    It keeps everyone in line and prevents straying. It shows intelligence in animals.
45. What animal behavior is shown in the poem?
    Social walking behavior. It shows elephants’ bonding habits.
46. Where might you see elephants holding tails?
    In a jungle trail or a circus. The poem includes both.
47. What does the poet admire about elephants?
    Their unity and gentle nature. They stay together no matter where they go.
48. Why do children find this image funny or sweet?
    Because elephants “holding hands” like people is adorable. It creates a relatable and humorous picture.
49. How does the poem end?
    With a repeated line: “They’re holding hands by holding tails.” It wraps up the idea in a memorable way.
50. What might we learn from the elephants?
    We learn the importance of staying together. Teamwork makes things smoother.
51. What are the elephants doing in the poem?
    The elephants are walking along trails and in circus rings. They hold hands by gripping each other’s tails.
52. How do the elephants hold hands?
    They hold hands by grasping each other’s tails. Trunks and tails are described as “handy things” for this purpose.
53. Where do the elephants walk?
    They walk along trails and in circus rings. Both settings highlight their coordinated movement.
54. Why are trunks and tails called “handy things”?
    They help elephants stay connected while walking. Tails act as substitutes for hands in forming chains.
55. What does the phrase “It never fails” suggest?
    Their method of holding tails is reliable. The elephants never fail to stay connected while moving.
56. What rhyme scheme does the poem use?
    The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme. This creates a rhythmic, singsong quality.
57. How does repetition enhance the poem?
    Repeating “holding hands by holding tails” emphasizes unity. It reinforces the poem’s central image.
58. What literary device is “Trunks and tails are handy things”?
    It uses alliteration(repetition of the “h” sound). This adds musicality and memorability.
59. How does the poem’s rhythm reflect its theme?
    The steady rhythm mimics elephants’ orderly march. It mirrors their synchronized movement.
60. Why are the stanzas short and simple?
    Short lines reflect the simplicity of the elephants’ action. It makes the poem accessible to children.
61. What imagery dominates the poem?
    Visual imagery of elephants walking in a line. The poem also evokes circus settings.
62. What does the circus ring symbolize?
    It represents teamwork and performance. The elephants’ coordination shines in this controlled environment.
63. How does the poem blend nature and human spaces?
    Elephants walk on natural trails and in man-made circus rings. Both settings highlight their adaptability.
64. Why are tails compared to hands?
    To humanize the elephants’ behavior. This metaphor emphasizes unity and cooperation.
65. What does the poem suggest about community?
    Staying connected (via tails) ensures harmony. It teaches the value of teamwork.
66. What is the tone of the poem?
    Playful and whimsical. It celebrates the charm of elephants’ cooperation.
67. What audience is the poem targeting?
    Primarily children. Simple language and rhythmic structure appeal to young readers.
68. Why might the poet have chosen elephants?
    Elephants symbolize strength and social bonds. Their size contrasts with the delicate act of “holding hands.”
69. What lesson does the poem teach?
    Teamwork and reliability are essential. Staying connected helps achieve shared goals.
70. How does the poet make the poem memorable?
    Through rhyme, repetition, and vivid imagery. These elements stick in the reader’s mind.
71. How does the poem anthropomorphize elephants?
    By attributing human actions (“holding hands”) to them. This makes their behavior relatable.
72. What makes the poem’s title effective?
    It surprises readers—elephants “hold hands” with tails. The title sparks curiosity.
73. How does the poem balance reality and imagination?
    Elephants do use tails for guidance in herds. The poem adds whimsy by calling it “holding hands.”
74. Why is the circus setting significant?
    It contrasts with natural trails, showing adaptability. Circuses also symbolize disciplined teamwork.
75. How does the poem use minimalism?
    Few words convey a clear, vivid scene. This simplicity amplifies its charm.
76. How might this poem differ from a factual text about elephants?
    It uses creativity instead of scientific details. The focus is on imagery, not biology.
77. What activity could complement this poem?
    Drawing elephants in a chain or acting out the poem. This reinforces teamwork and creativity.
78. How does the poem compare to other animal poems?
    It focuses on unity rather than individual traits. The playful tone is common in children’s poetry.
79. What emotions does the poem evoke?
    Joy and admiration for the elephants’ cooperation. It may also inspire laughter at the whimsy.
80. How could teachers use this poem in class?
    To teach rhyme, teamwork, or animal behavior. It’s also great for read-aloud sessions.
81. Why does the poet use “handy things”?
    To humorously imply tails are as useful as hands. It adds a playful tone.
82. What effect does “It never fails” create?
    It emphasizes reliability. The elephants’ method always works.
83. How does the word “trails” contrast with “circus rings”?
    “Trails” suggest nature, while “circus rings” imply human spaces. Both show adaptability.
84. Why repeat “holding hands by holding tails”?
    To reinforce the central image. Repetition makes the poem rhythmic and memorable.
85. What does the word “trunks” add to the poem?
    It highlights another unique elephant feature. Trunks and tails together showcase their adaptability.
86. What does the poem suggest about simplicity?
    Simple actions (holding tails) can create harmony. Complexity isn’t needed for unity.
87. How does the poem address reliability?
    The elephants’ method “never fails.” Trust in teamwork leads to success.
88. What might the circus symbolize beyond entertainment?
    Discipline and practice. The elephants’ coordination reflects training and cooperation.
89. How does the poem celebrate uniqueness?
    Elephants use tails creatively instead of hands. It praises innovative problem-solving.
90. What universal message does the poem share?
    Unity and cooperation transcend species. Staying connected benefits everyone.
91. How do the elephants’ actions reflect human behavior?
    They mimic holding hands, a human gesture of connection. This bridges animal and human traits.
92. Why might the poet have avoided naming individual elephants?
    To focus on collective action. The poem highlights the group, not individuals.
93. How does the poem’s rhythm mirror movement?
    The steady beat mimics marching elephants. Each line feels like a step forward.
94. What role does humor play in the poem?
    Calling tails “handy” adds lightheartedness. It makes the concept relatable and fun.
95. How does the poem balance realism and fantasy?
    Elephants do walk in lines, but “holding hands” is imaginative. The blend engages readers.
96. What illustration would best match the poem?
    A line of elephants gripping tails, walking through a circus ring. Bright colors would highlight joy.
97. How does the poem inspire creativity in readers?
    It encourages imagining playful animal behaviors. Kids might invent similar actions for other animals.
98. What makes this poem timeless?
    Themes of unity and joy are universal. The playful tone appeals across generations.
99. How does the poem use contrast effectively?
    Natural trails vs. circus rings show adaptability. Serious coordination vs. whimsical “holding hands.”
100. Why is this poem memorable?
     Its catchy rhythm, vivid imagery, and heartwarming theme leave a lasting impression.