I planted a young tree when I was young; But now the tree is grown and I am old: There wintry robin shelters from the cold And tunes his silver tongue. A green and living tree I planted it, A glossy-foliaged tree of evergreen: All thro' the noontide heat it spread a screen Whereunder I might sit. But now I only watch it where it towers: I, sitting at my window, watch it tossed By rattling gale, or silvered by the frost; Or, when sweet summer flowers, Wagging its round green head with stately grace In tender winds that kiss it and go by: It shows a green full age; and what show I? A faded wrinkled face. So often have I watched it, till mine eyes Have filled with tears and I have ceased to see; That now it seems a very friend to me In all my secrets wise. A faithful pleasant friend, who year by year Grew with my growth and strengthened with my strength, But whose green lifetime shows a longer length: When I shall not sit here It still will bud in spring, and shed rare leaves In autumn, and in summer heat give shade, And warmth in winter; when my bed is made In shade the cypress weaves. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |