Tall Trees
by Eileen Mathias
Rapid Learn 2-Minute Revision
Perfect for last-minute revision
2-Minute Revision Video
Video coming soon
In this short, gentle poem the poet Eileen Mathias personifies tall trees as caring, watchful human-like beings who silently protect all living things. With their 'feet in the earth' and their 'heads in the sky', the tall trees stand watching the clouds drift by. When dusk quickly sends the birds to rest, the trees shelter them safely in their nests. And at night, while the whole world sleeps, the tall trees keep peeping and watching like faithful guardians as the moon shines gently down. Through personification the poet suggests that just as these strong, towering trees remain humble and protective, human beings who are 'tall', powerful, successful and influential, should also stay humble, kind and caring towards those who need their help.
Detailed Summary
Detailed Summary Video
Video coming soon
'Tall Trees' presents an integrated, harmonious picture of nature in which clouds, birds, day, night and the moon work together in selfless care. The poet imagines the tall trees as human-like beings who watch, shelter and guard, and quietly hints that powerful human beings should be as humble and caring as these towering trees.
Stanza 1, Trees watching the clouds
The poet says the tall trees have 'their feet in the earth and their heads in the sky', a vivid image that shows just how tall they are, their roots hold firmly to the ground while their tops seem to touch the clouds. The trees stand and 'watch the clouds go by', as though they were living beings with eyes. The phrase 'feet in the earth' also suggests, in the case of a tall, powerful person, that he keeps his feet firmly on the ground and never loses his head over success.
Stanza 2, Trees sheltering the birds
As evening (dusk) quickly sends the birds to rest, the tall trees shelter them safe in a nest. Here the poet shows the different elements of nature complementing one another: the darkening sky drives the birds home, and the trees provide them a safe resting place. It is a tender picture of nature offering comfort and protection.
Stanza 3, Trees guarding the sleeping world
At night, with the tall trees 'peeping', the moon shines down on a world that is sleeping. Like faithful night-watchmen, the trees stay awake and keep watch over the world so that everyone can sleep safely and soundly. The poet presents the trees as our protectors and guardians. Through this personification she conveys that human beings who are tall and powerful, like the tall trees, should also be humble, watchful and caring towards the weak.