Concern for the future generation of poem the heart of the tree by henry cuyler bunner
Answers
The poem "The Heart of the Tree" has been written by Henry Cuyler Bunner. The poet talks about the trees and the resources they offer to the people. The poem questions the notion of humanity regarding some of the issues.
The poet starts the poem by a question. He questions that when a person makes a plant his friend what does he gain by it. He answers that when a plant becomes a friend, the sun and the sky also becomes the friend of the people. Hence the other elements of nature become a friend. The poet compares the trees as a flag which is flying freely even in the strong breeze. The trees here are symbolic of beauty and strength. Trees are also home for the birds. When a person plants a tree, he also provided a nesting place for the birds. In return, the birds sing beautiful and melodious songs praising and appreciating nature.
The second stanza begins with the same question. To this question the poet answers that the trees give cool shades and soft rain to the people so as to provide some relief from the scorching heat of the sun. The poet then narrates the cycle of the regrowth of the plants. He says that the plants produce the seeds which further develops into a new tree. The poet says that planting a tree today will bloom into a future forest and would be an investment for the future generation. We are able to admire and see the beauty of the tree only because the people in our past had planted them during their time.
The third stanza also begins with the same question. He says that when we plant a tree we plant love and respect of society and humanity. This shows the civic responsibility and duty towards the environment. Planting a tree also is symbolic of helping in the formation of society towards good and positivity.