Appreciation of the poem 'The Cherry Tree'
About the poem, poet, and title: The poem 'Cherry Tree' is written by Ruskin Bond.
The poem is about the poet’s ecstasy over a tree which he planted that took eight years
to grow.
Theme/summary/gist of the poem: It is a ‘Nature’ poem as it has elements of nature in
it. The poem vividly describes the planting of a cherry seed by the poet and how against
all odds, the little plant continues to grow. The poem highlights the tree's strong instinct
to survive. The plant finally transforms into six feet high tree with flowers on it. It is a
mesmerising sight to behold. The poet is overjoyed when he sees it. He glorifies one
little ripened cherry hanging from the tree's branches. He is in awe of the beauty and
wonders of nature. The poet refers to the blue sky, birds, insects, and also the starry
night sky in this context and how each one of them; including the poet complements the
cherry tree.
Poetic style/language, poetic devices used in the poem: The style/language used in
the poem is simple and lucid. Poetic devices like Alliteration, Anti-climax, Antithesis,
Climax, Metaphor, Personification, and Repetition have been used to make the poem
alluring to the readers and to set the overall mood of the poem. An example of
Personification from the poem is "And moon- moths and singing crickets and I"- where
the crickets have been given the animate quality of being able to sing.
Special features/novelties/focusing elements: Vivid imagery has been used by the
poet to make the whole process of a seed turning into a plant appealing to the readers.
The poet has focused on the wonders of nature by making use of natural elements like
the various seasons, the sky, animals, birds, and insects.
Message/values/morals in the poem: The underlying message of the poem is to plant
trees and reap joy from them. It also highlights the tree's determination to grow despite
all odds conveying a message to us to face challenges in our life too with positivity.
Your opinion about the poem: Overall, I think that the poem is a good read. It is quite
appealing as it portrays a detailed and colourful picture before our eyes of a little plant
growing into a blooming tree; overcoming hardships that lay in its path. I like the poem
for its positive, optimistic tone.
