Go Plant a Tree

Ella Wheeler Wilcox 1855 (Janesville) – 1919



God, what a joy it is to plant a tree,
And from the sallow earth to watch it rise,
Lifting its emerald branches to the skies
In silent adoration; and to see
Its strength and glory waxing with each spring.
Yes, 'tis a goodly, and a gladsome thing
To plant a tree.

Nature has many marvels; but a tree
Seems more than marvellous. It is divine.
So generous, so tender, so benign.
Not garrulous like the rivers; and yet free
In pleasant converse with the winds and birds;
Oh! privilege beyond explaining words,
To plant a tree.

Rocks are majestic; but, unlike a tree,
They stand aloof, and silent. In the roar
Of ocean billows breaking on the shore
There sounds the voice of turmoil. But a tree
Speaks ever of companionship and rest.
Yea, of all righteous acts, this, this is best,
To plant a tree.

There is an oak (oh! how I love that tree)
Which has been thriving for a hundred years;
Each day I send my blessing through the spheres
To one who gave this triple boon to me,
Of growing beauty, singing birds, and shade.
Wouldst thou win laurels that shall never fade?

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on March 05, 2023

1:00 min read
142

Quick analysis:

Scheme abbaccA addaeeA affaggA ahhaii
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 1,070
Words 200
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 7, 7, 7, 6

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American author and poet. more…

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