The Tree

Author: John Frederick Freeman

    Oh, like a tree
    Let me grow up to Thee!
    And like a Tree
    Send down my roots to Thee.

    Let my leaves stir
    In each sigh of the air,
    My branches be
    Lively and glad in Thee;

    Each leaf a prayer,
    And green fire everywhere ...
    And all from Thee
    The sap within the Tree.

    And let Thy rain
    Fall--or as joy or pain
    So that I be
    Yet unforgot of Thee.

    Then shall I sing
    The new song of Thy Spring,
    Every leaf of me
    Whispering Love in Thee!
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a profound exploration of spiritual longing and unity with the divine, expressed through the metaphor of a tree. The speaker implores a higher power to allow his growth and existence to be intertwined with the divine, much like the relationship between a tree and its sustaining elements. The poet's use of natural imagery and personification creates a vivid, immersive atmosphere, transforming the tree into a living symbol of spiritual yearning and submission.

The poem's structure is simple yet effective, with each stanza building upon the last to deepen the speaker's plea for divine connection. The repetition of "Thee" at the end of each stanza emphasizes the speaker's reliance on and yearning for the divine. This repetition, coupled with the use of exclamation points and ellipses, creates a tone of fervent prayer and intense emotion. The poem culminates in a beautiful image of every leaf whispering love, suggesting the speaker's desire for reciprocated love and unity with the divine. The use of 'green fire' is particularly noteworthy; it serves as an oxymoron that captures the speaker's vibrant, burning passion for the divine within the context of natural imagery. Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of spirituality, full of vivid imagery and emotional intensity.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.