The poem “A Man of Words and Not of Deeds,” attributed to Charles Perrault, conveys a powerful message about the importance of action over mere words. It likens a person who speaks but doesn’t act to a neglected garden overrun by weeds. As the weeds multiply, the garden becomes buried in snow, symbolizing the consequences of inaction.
The poem goes on to compare this situation to a bird on a wall, an eagle in the sky, and a lion at the door, emphasizing the escalating gravity of the situation. The final stanzas suggest that inaction can lead to pain and ultimately, death, likening it to a penknife in one’s heart. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder that actions speak louder than words and highlights the repercussions of empty promises and unfulfilled intentions.