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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TREES by ALFRED JOYCE KILMER

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I THINK THAT I SHALL NEVER SEE / A POEM LOVELY AS A TREE
Last Line: BUT ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE.
Subject(s): ANIMALS; COURAGE; ENVIRONMENT; FAITH; GARDENS & GARDENING; HOLIDAYS; RELIGION; SOLDIERS; TRAVEL; TREES; WORLD WAR I; VALOR; BRAVERY; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; ECOLOGY; CONSERVATION; BELIEF; CREED; THEOLOGY; JOURNEYS; TRIPS; FIRST WORLD WAR;

(For Mrs. Henry Mills Alden)



I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.






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