The Beech Tree by Edith Nesbit
The poem is a nostalgic and romantic tribute to a beech tree, which has witnessed the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human love and life. The speaker reflects on the tree's enduring presence, having seen lovers come and go, making vows and shedding tears beneath its branches. The tree has also been a silent observer of family gatherings and celebrations, such as Christmas, where it was surrounded by warmth and laughter. However, time has taken its toll, and the old voices have faded away, the hearth has grown cold, and the bright faces are now dimmed and buried. Despite this, the natural world continues to thrive around the tree, with summer bringing new life and beauty. The speaker carves their beloved's initials on the tree, commemorating the joy and love they shared beneath its branches. In the future, the speaker will return to the tree, old and weary, but still cherishing the memories of a perfect summer day, when they were not alone.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 464 words
First lines
MY beautiful beech, your smooth grey coat is trimmed With letters. Once, each stood for all things dear To foolish lovers, dead this many a year, Whose lamp of lighted love so soon was dimmed.
You have seen them come and go, And heard their kisses and vows Under your boughs, The pitiful vows they swore, Have seen their poor tears flow, Have seen them part; to meet, and to return, no more!
What this Textopian page supports
The Beech Tree is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 464 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The narrative is primarily aimed at young readers, with a simple and engaging plot, and themes of adventure and friendship.
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements and fantastical creatures, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and a series of challenges, characteristic of adventure stories.
Tags
Children's Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Magic Realism · Coming-of-Age · Family Relationships · Friendship · Growing Up · Imagination · Nature · Trees · Rural Life