A VINE that stood beside a thriving Oak Grew weary of the labor Of self-support, and thus she plainly spoke Unto her stronger neighbor: -- "I prithee bend your handsome trunk to me, My noble forest-brother; That, mutually embracing, we may be Supporters of each other." "Nay," said the tree, "I was not made to bend; I'm strong and self-reliant, As oaks are wont, -- but you, my pretty friend, Are twenty times as pliant! "So clasp your slender arms around me, dear; And we will grow together, High as yon azure cloud, nor ever fear The roughest wind or weather!" "Nay, nay," replied the foolish Vine, "I hate To seem so much your debtor: You do the twining, now, and I'll be straight; I'd like it vastly better!" "Nature wills otherwise," the Oak replied, "However you may grumble; The moment such a silly plan were tried, Together we should tumble! "Come you to me; and, taking Nature's course, We'll keep our proper places: I to the twain will give my manly force, And you your maiden graces. "But if, perverse, you try to live alone, With none to hold and cherish Your slender form, before you're fairly grown, You certainly will perish. "Or if, instead of fondly clinging fast To one who would protect you, You flirt with others, -- all the trees at last Will scornfully reject you." "I see, I -- see!" exclaimed the musing Vine, "The weaker must be nourished;" Then clasped the oak with many a graceful twine, And so they grew and flourished! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET (6) by GEORGE SANTAYANA I WOULD LIVE IN YOUR LOVE by SARA TEASDALE VISIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF ALBION by WILLIAM BLAKE THE BIGLOW PAPERS: 3. WHAT MR. ROBINSON THINKS by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL DAMON THE MOWER by ANDREW MARVELL |