“Woodman, Spare that Tree” is a poem by George Pope Morris. It conveys a plea to a woodman (someone who cuts down trees) to spare a particular tree. Read More English Summaries.
Woodman, Spare that Tree Summary
Woodman, Spare that Tree Central Idea of the Poem
This poem is a plea to save trees from destruction and their felling without considering the result. Trees serve human beings and also other living creatures in a number of ways. The poet warns the woodman not to cut even a single branch of tree. The oak tree was planted by his forefather and he has fond memories of the good times passed under the tree. The poet says that he will protect the tree with all his might.
Woodman, Spare that Tree Difficult Word Meanings
spare (स्पेअर)-refrain from hunting चोट करने से बचाना; bough (बो)-branch शाखा; shelter (शैल्टर)condition of being kept safe आश्रय दिया; hew (हिउ)cut काटना (कुल्हाड़ी से); gushing (गशिंग)-flowing बहता हुआ।
Woodman, Spare that Tree Summary, Pronunciation & Translation
[1] Woodman, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough!
In youth it sheltered me,
And I’ll protect it now.
[2] ‘Twas my forefather’s hand
That placed it near his cot;
There, woodman, let it stand,
Thy axe shall harm it not.
[3] That old familiar tree,
Whose glory and renown
Are spread o’er land and sea
And wouldst thou hew it down?
[4] Woodman, forbear thy stroke!
Cut not its earth-bound ties;
Oh, spare that aged oak
Now towering to the skies!
[5] When but an idle boy,
I sought its grateful shade;
in all their gushing joy
Here, too, my sisters played.
[6] My mother kissed me here;
My father pressed my hand
Forgive this foolish tear,
But let that old oak stand.
[7] My heart-strings round thee cling,
Close as thy bark, old friend!
Here shall the wild-bird sing,
And still thy branches bend.
[8] Old tree! the storm still brave!
And woodman, leave the spot;
While I’ve a hand to save,
Thy axe shall harm it not. – George Pope Morris