A Picnic under the Cherry Trees
The poem describes a serene and idyllic scene of a picnic under the branches of cherry trees. The speaker reflects on the beauty of nature and the passing of time, noting how the seasons change and the flowers bloom only briefly. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy and nostalgia for the fleeting nature of life and beauty.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1923 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Imagism · 63 words
First lines
The boat drifts to rest Under the outward spraying branches.
There is faint sound of quavering strings, The reedy murmurs of a flute, The soft sigh of the wind through silken garments;
All these are mingled With the breeze that drifts away, Filled with thin petals of cherry blossom, Like tinkling laughter dancing away in sunlight.
What this Textopian page supports
A Picnic under the Cherry Trees is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 63 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Picnic under the Cherry Trees by John Gould Fletcher
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Picnic under the Cherry Trees?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work features musical language and vivid imagery, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The poem focuses on natural elements, particularly cherry blossoms, emphasizing the beauty of nature.
- Imagism — The use of precise imagery and clear language aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, emotion, and nature reflect Romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Romanticism · Literary Fiction · Southern Gothic · Regionalism · American Literature · 20th Century · Modernism · Realism