🌳 Poem: On Killing a Tree by Gieve Patel

Poet

Gieve Patel

Main theme

Destruction of nature is slow and violent

Tone

Sarcastic and critical

Structure

Free verse without a fixed rhyme scheme

Tree's growth

Slowly over years

Bleeding bark

Refers to sap coming out after the tree is hacked

Miniature boughs

New shoots that sprout after tree is cut

Ineffectiveness of chopping

Tree heals and regrows after being cut

True method to kill

Uprooting the tree completely

Earth cave

Depth from where the roots are pulled out

Scorching and choking

Final stage of drying and death

Tree as a symbol

Represents nature's strength and resilience

Human cruelty

Highlights the destructive tendencies of humans

Environmental message

Urges respect and preservation of nature