Question

What is the childish longing according to the poet? Why?

Answer 1

The 'childish' longing that the poet refers to, is the longing of these rural people that one day at least someone of all the thousand selfish people who pass in their luxurious cars, will halt even if it is only to inquire about a farmer's miserable plight. The complete indifference of the city dwellers towards the poor rural folk saddens him. The longing is in 'vain' as deep within him he realizes that it is highly unlikely that the selfish city folk will pause to look at the miserable plight of the poor people or even give them a thought.