Poems About Trees (Everyman’s Library Pocket Poets Series)

Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Trees” may arguably be the most well-known poem about trees in the English language, yet it doesn’t appear in this book. Maybe it doesn’t need to because it is so well-known. This compendium of 127 poems about trees come from ancient times to present, and from many nations and languages. They are arranged in seven sections: Gladness; Toward an Alphabet of Trees; Planting and Preserving; Groves, Woods, Orchard, Forest; From Trees; Gladness Gone; and Lyrics, Meditations. The poems celebrate the joy trees give us and mourn the loss of trees; they recount worship of trees, the practical uses of trees, the various relationships people have with trees. The book includes ancient verses from the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey, Gilgamesh, and ancient Rome by Virgil, as well as the work of many modern poets such as William Carlos Williams, Mary Oliver, Louise Erdrich, James Dickey, and many more. This lovely little volume (4.4 by 6.5 inches) will easily fit into one’s pocket or bag, ready to fill a few quiet minutes or hours wherever one finds the time. One might well argue with Joyce Kilmer after reading this sweet book. Some of these poems certainly are as lovely as a tree.