Tree
Title: "Trees" - A Poetic Ode to Nature's Many Faces
Introduction: Explore the enchanting world of Shirley Bauer's poem, "Trees," where words weave a tapestry of nature's beauty and human connection. This web page invites you to delve into the rich imagery, playful moments, and subtle humor embedded in this delightful ode to trees.
Overview: Discover the magic of trees as more than just silent observers of the world. "Trees" is a celebration of their multifaceted roles, from providing shelter to birds and children to becoming the canvas for various human activities.
Key Highlights:
Versatility Unveiled:
Uncover the myriad roles trees play in our lives, from being the foundation of tree houses to the backdrop of childhood games like 'Hide and Seek.'
A Symphony of Seasons:
Experience the changing seasons through the poet's lens. Delight in the cool shade of summer and the stark beauty of leafless branches in winter.
Humour in Nature:
Chuckle at the playful lines like "Trees are for apples to grow on, and pears" and the whimsical exclamation of "TIMBER-R-R!" during tree chopping, adding a touch of humour to the poem.
Nature's Playground:
Explore how trees become integral to various human activities, serving as swings, hiding spots, and even hosts for tea parties. The poem unfolds a world where nature and play intertwine.
Contrasts and Reflections:
Delve into the contrasts presented in the poem, such as the changing role of trees in providing shade between summer and winter. Reflect on the diverse perspectives of mothers and fathers toward the beauty and practicalities of trees.
Reimagining Nature:
Engage your creative side by rewriting or adding lines inspired by the poem. The interactive section encourages users to contribute their own verses, adding a personal touch to the celebration of nature.
Conclusion: Join us on this virtual journey through "Trees" by Shirley Bauer, where the eloquence of language paints a vivid portrait of nature's wonders. Whether you seek inspiration, a moment of reflection, or a poetic escape, this web page invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of trees and the stories they tell.
Tree [Poem]
Trees are for birds.
Trees are for children.
Trees are to make tree houses in.
Trees are to swing swings on.
Trees are for the wind to blow through.
Trees are to hide behind in ‘Hide and Seek.’
Trees are to have tea parties under.
Trees are for kites to get caught in.
Trees are to make cool shade in summer.
Trees are to make no shade in winter.
Trees are for apples to grow on, and pears;
Trees are to chop down and call, “TIMBER-R-R!”
Trees make mothers say,
“What a lovely picture to paint!”
Trees make fathers say,
“What a lot of leaves to rake this fall !”
SHIRLEY BAUER
Explanation of the poem
This poem, "Tree" by Shirley Bauer, celebrates the multifaceted roles that trees play in our lives. Let's break down the various aspects mentioned in the poem:
Shelter for Birds and Children:
The poem starts by emphasizing that trees serve as homes or shelters for birds. This suggests a connection to nature and the ecosystem, as trees provide a habitat for various creatures.
Trees are also portrayed as places for children. This could symbolize the innocence of childhood and the joy derived from playing around trees.
Utility for Recreational Activities:
The poem mentions tree houses, swings, and hiding spots for games like 'Hide and Seek.' This highlights the versatile and playful nature of trees, turning them into natural playgrounds for children.
Interaction with the Elements:
Trees allow the wind to blow through them, emphasizing their dynamic interaction with the environment. This can be seen as a metaphor for adaptability and resilience.
Symbolism in Social Activities:
Trees are described as places for tea parties, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. This reflects the social aspect of nature and the simple pleasures derived from spending time together under the canopy of trees.
Seasonal Changes:
The poem acknowledges the seasonal changes associated with trees. In summer, trees provide cool shade, while in winter, they may lose their leaves, creating less shade. This highlights the cyclical and changing nature of the natural world.
Fruit Production:
Trees are noted for bearing fruits such as apples and pears, showcasing their role in providing sustenance and nourishment.
Human Interaction and Labor:
The reference to chopping down trees and calling "TIMBER-R-R!" introduces a human element. This can be interpreted as both a practical use of trees for wood and a recognition of the physical effort involved in manipulating nature.
Parental Perspectives:
The poem captures the different perspectives of mothers and fathers. Mothers appreciate the picturesque qualities of trees, while fathers are practical, thinking about the work required in dealing with fallen leaves.
In summary, Shirley Bauer's "Tree" poem beautifully captures the diverse roles that trees play in our lives, ranging from providing shelter and recreation to symbolizing the changing seasons and offering practical resources. The poem weaves together both the practical and emotional aspects of the human-nature relationship.
Summary
The poem "Trees" by Shirley Bauer celebrates the diverse roles that trees play in our lives. It vividly describes trees as multifunctional entities, serving various purposes and participating in different human activities. The poem unfolds with a rhythmic repetition of the phrase "Trees are for," emphasizing the versatility of trees.
The roles of trees highlighted in the poem include providing shelter for birds and children, serving as the foundation for tree houses and swings, and acting as natural elements in games like 'Hide and Seek.' Trees are also portrayed as social spaces for tea parties and sources of joy for kite enthusiasts. The poem captures the dynamic interaction between trees and the environment, noting their ability to provide cool shade in summer and their bareness in winter.
Notably, the poem introduces a touch of humor in lines like "Trees are for apples to grow on, and pears" and the playful exclamation "TIMBER-R-R!" during tree chopping. It also contrasts the shade-making quality of trees in summer with the lack of shade in winter. The poem concludes by presenting the different perspectives of mothers appreciating the aesthetic value of trees and fathers recognizing the labor involved in raking fallen leaves.
In essence, "Trees" celebrates the beauty, utility, and adaptability of trees, weaving together practical and whimsical elements to evoke a rich appreciation for the natural world and the integral role that trees play in our lives.
Poetic Devices:
Let's identify some of the poetic devices used in Shirley Bauer's poem:
Repetition: Anaphora
The repetition of the phrase "Trees are for" at the beginning of each line creates a rhythmic pattern, emphasizing the various purposes and roles of trees.
Imagery:
The poem is rich in imagery, painting vivid pictures of trees being used for various activities. This helps readers visualize the scenes and enhances the sensory experience.
Metaphor:
The line "Trees are for the wind to blow through" uses a metaphor to describe the relationship between trees and the wind, suggesting a harmonious interaction.
Symbolism:
Trees symbolize different things throughout the poem, such as shelter, play, community, and seasonal changes. This use of symbolism adds depth to the poem and invites readers to reflect on the broader meanings.
Alliteration:
The repetition of the "T" sound in "Trees are to swing swings on" and "Trees are to have tea parties under" creates a pleasing sound and rhythm, enhancing the musicality of the poem.
Personification:
There is a subtle personification in the lines "Trees make mothers say" and "Trees make fathers say," attributing the ability to evoke certain responses or expressions to the trees themselves.
Rhyme:
The poem doesn't strictly adhere to a regular rhyme scheme, but there are instances of end rhymes, such as "in" and "swing" or "fall" and "call." These rhymes contribute to the poem's musical quality.
Enjambment:
The poem uses enjambment, where the lines flow into each other without a pause or punctuation at the end. This creates a smooth and continuous rhythm, linking the ideas from one line to the next.
Hyperbole:
The line "What a lot of leaves to rake this fall!" contains a touch of hyperbole, exaggerating the amount of leaves to emphasize the labor involved in cleaning up fallen leaves.
These poetic devices collectively contribute to the effectiveness of the poem, making it not only descriptive but also engaging and thought-provoking.
Question and answers:
1. What are the games or human activities which use trees, or in which trees also ‘participate’?
2. (i) “Trees are to make no shade in winter.” What does this mean? (Contrast this line with the line immediately before it.)
(ii) “Trees are for apples to grow on, or pears.” Do you agree that one purpose of a tree is to have fruit on it? Or do you think this line is humorous?
3. With the help of your partner, try to rewrite some lines in the poem, or add new ones of your own as in the following examples.
Trees are for birds to build nests in.
Trees are for people to sit under.
Now try to compose a similar poem about water or air
Answers:
Games or Human Activities Involving Trees:
Hide and Seek: Trees are used as hiding spots, adding an element of nature to the game.
Tree Houses: Children often build tree houses, turning trees into play structures.
Swinging: Trees can be used to hang swings, providing a natural setting for this activity.
Tea Parties: The poem suggests trees as places for tea parties, indicating a social activity involving nature.
Kite Flying: Trees can be unintentional obstacles for kites, adding a challenge to the activity.
Chopping Trees: The act of chopping down trees is a human activity mentioned, illustrating a utilitarian use of trees.
2. (i) "Trees are to make no shade in winter."
This line contrasts with the previous line, "Trees are to make cool shade in summer." It suggests that in winter, when the trees have shed their leaves, they provide less shade. The phrase "make no shade" implies that the shade, which is a characteristic feature in summer, is absent or diminished in winter.
(ii) "Trees are for apples to grow on, or pears."
This line expresses the purpose of trees in bearing fruit. It's not necessarily humorous but emphasizes a practical aspect of trees providing sustenance through the growth of fruits.
3. Rewriting Lines or Adding New Ones:
Trees are for birds to build nests in.
Trees are for people to gather and share stories under.
Creating a Poem about Water:
Water is for fish to dance in.
Water is for boats to gently float on.
Water is to reflect the colours of the setting sun.
Water is for raindrops to play a melody on rooftops.
Water is to quench the thirst of the earth.
Water is for children to splash and laugh in merriment.
Water is to mirror the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Creating a Poem about Air:
Air is for kites to soar high in the sky.
Air is to carry the whispers of secrets between friends.
Air is for wind chimes to compose a gentle symphony.
Air is for leaves to rustle and trees to dance.
Air is for deep breaths and contemplative sighs.
Air is for birds to glide and sing melodies.
Air is for the exchange of laughter and conversations among people.
Extra Questions:
What are some of the games or activities mentioned in the poem that involve trees?
How does the poet describe the relationship between trees and birds in the poem?
In what ways are trees portrayed as elements of play in the poem?
What contrasts are presented regarding the role of trees in providing shade in different seasons?
How does the poem use humor, and where can you find examples of this in the text?
According to the poem, what are some practical uses of trees for humans?
Describe the changing roles of trees as presented in the lines about summer and winter.
What emotions or reactions do mothers express in response to trees, according to the poem?
How does the poem highlight the adaptability and resilience of trees in the face of seasonal changes?
If you were to rewrite or add a line to the poem, what new role or purpose would you give to trees based on your own perspective?
Answers to the extra questions:
Games and Activities Involving Trees:
The poem mentions games like 'Hide and Seek,' where trees serve as hiding spots, and activities like building tree houses, swinging on swings hung from trees, and having tea parties under trees.
Relationship Between Trees and Birds:
The poet implies that trees provide shelter for birds, suggesting a harmonious relationship between the two, where trees become a natural habitat for avian life.
Trees as Elements of Play:
Trees are portrayed as elements of play in various ways, including serving as hiding spots in games like 'Hide and Seek,' providing locations for tree houses, and becoming anchors for swings.
Contrasts in Providing Shade:
The poem contrasts the role of trees in different seasons. In summer, trees are said to make cool shade, while in winter, they are described as making no shade. This presents a seasonal contrast in the shade-providing quality of trees.
Use of Humour in the Poem:
Humour is introduced through lines like "Trees are for apples to grow on, and pears," which playfully assigns a purpose to trees related to fruit-bearing. The exclamation "TIMBER-R-R!" during tree chopping adds a humorous touch to the practical use of trees.
Practical Uses of Trees for Humans:
According to the poem, practical uses of trees for humans include serving as material for building tree houses, providing wood through chopping, and offering shade in summer.
Changing Roles of Trees in Summer and Winter:
In summer, trees are described as making cool shade, emphasizing their role in providing relief from the heat. In contrast, in winter, trees are said to make no shade, highlighting the seasonal change in their function.
Mothers' Emotions in Response to Trees:
Mothers express admiration and positive emotions in response to trees. The poem suggests that mothers might see trees as picturesque and may find them worthy of artistic appreciation, saying, "What a lovely picture to paint!"
Highlighting Adaptability and Resilience:
The poem underscores the adaptability and resilience of trees by acknowledging their changing roles in different seasons. Despite the absence of leaves in winter, trees continue to be a part of the natural landscape.
Rewriting or Adding a Line:
If I were to add a line, it might be: "Trees are for stories to be whispered in the wind, carrying tales through their branches." This line aims to emphasize the idea of trees as silent witnesses and storytellers in the natural world.