This poem describes the cypress tree's enduring presence on a tropical island, symbolizing hope and resilience amidst natural disasters and human turmoil. The speaker reflects on the tree's ability to withstand storms and its continued existence despite the passage of time. The poem explores themes of nature's power, human fragility, and the cyclical nature of life.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1860 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry