The Cherry Tree is a poem written by contemporary Scottish poet, Edwin Morgan. It is an exploration of the natural cycles of life, death and rebirth.
The poem follows a solitary cherry tree, as it passes through the various stages of its life, from its initial sprouting from the earth to its full bloom and eventual death. The tree is personified and seen to be a symbol for our own life journey and for humanity as a whole.
The poem starts with the cherry tree's birth:
"Once a green sapling, a robust shoot
Sprouted up in full glory of budding bloom"
This rebirth is then followed by its beginnings as a mature and vibrant tree, a symbol of life and hope:
"Laden with scent a blossoming tree,
A grand salute of beauty, glowing free"
Although this section celebrates the life of the cherry tree, it is quickly followed by an acknowledgement of the inevitability of its eventual death:
"It was the cherry tree's destiny
To err and finally succumb to death's decree"
The poem serves as a reminder of the cycles of life and death, and how things will eventually come to an end. The natural world is seen as a reflection of our own mortality, and it teaches us to value each moment we have here, and to live life to the fullest.
The poem concludes with a call to embrace the beauty in each moment of life, however brief:
"Let us take pleasure from the flourishing tree,
For life is beautiful, in all its mystery"
The Cherry Tree is a meaningful piece which can provide consolation in the face of an uncertain future, and one which reminds us to make the most of the present.
