Notes on Trees by Joyce Kilmer

 Joyce Kilmer’s poem "Trees" is a short yet profound celebration of nature and divinity. The poem consists of six rhyming couplets, written in a simple and lyrical style that appeals to a broad audience. In this poem, Kilmer personifies a tree, portraying it as a living, spiritual entity. Through vivid imagery and religious undertones, the poet explores the limitations of human creativity in comparison to the magnificence of God’s creation.

The poem opens with the speaker declaring their admiration for the tree, stating that they will never create something as “lovely” as a tree. This sets the tone for the poem, where the tree becomes a symbol of natural beauty and divine craftsmanship. The use of the word "lovely" reflects the poet's emotional connection to nature, indicating a sense of awe and reverence. The speaker acknowledges the superiority of nature over human artistry right from the start.

The speaker goes on to personify the tree, describing its “hungry mouth” pressed to the earth, from which it draws sustenance. This metaphor highlights the symbiotic relationship between the tree and the earth, symbolizing nature’s interconnectedness. The tree’s roots feed on the earth’s bounty, suggesting its dependence on the natural world for survival.

Kilmer then describes the tree’s branches as “lifting leafy arms to pray.” Here, the poet gives the tree a spiritual dimension, portraying it as a devout being engaged in constant prayer. This imagery not only personifies the tree but also aligns it with the sacred, suggesting that nature itself is a form of worship of the Creator.

The poet continues to describe the tree’s life by highlighting its role in the ecosystem. The tree is depicted as “wearing a nest of robins in her hair,” which suggests its nurturing role as a shelter for birds. This image emphasizes the tree’s contribution to sustaining life, making it an integral part of the natural world. The mention of “hair” adds a human-like quality to the tree, furthering the personification.

Kilmer also references the tree’s resilience to seasonal changes. Its leaves collect rain, and its trunk withstands the harshness of weather, symbolizing strength and endurance. These qualities make the tree a symbol of vitality and grace in the face of life’s challenges.

The poem shifts focus as the speaker compares their ability to create a poem to God’s ability to create a tree. The poet humbly acknowledges that human creations, no matter how beautiful, cannot match the complexity and majesty of natural creations. This is a moment of humility and self-awareness, where the poet refers to themselves as a “fool” in comparison to the divine.

The tree, as a natural creation, is presented as evidence of God’s existence and creative power. By contrast, the poem is a human attempt to pay homage to this divine work. This comparison underscores the limitations of human creativity while celebrating the wonder of nature.

The poem concludes with the memorable line, “Only God can make a tree.” This final statement is both a declaration of faith and an acknowledgement of the miraculous nature of creation. The poet elevates the tree from being a simple natural object to a symbol of divine artistry. The simplicity of this closing line adds to its profound impact, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.