WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
Poems cover

Poems

Chapter 36: SPARE THE TREES.
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

About This Book

A compact collection of short lyrics and occasional longer pieces that pair devotional reflection with sentimental and patriotic themes. Poems move between nature scenes, seascapes, and seasonal detail to explore faith, hope, duty, and the consolations of memory. Language tends toward clear, hymnlike phrasing and moral admonition, with moments of celebratory exhortation and public commemoration interspersed among intimate domestic and pastoral sketches.

SPARE THE TREES.

The noble trees that boldly guard the brave
In pride serene; their lofty domes are sweet
To pavement-weary eyes, and town-worn feet
Move with a freer step as o'er the grave
Of Ladd, of Whitney, their cool banners wave.
How passing fair upon the thriving street
The soothing beauty of this calm retreat;
Awake, O city! and thine ancients save.
What grace the tone refined of sylvan shade
Sheds on the busy square; the Hall, embossed
With figures quaint by Sol himself inlaid.
Throw down the pruning axe and count the cost;
Ay, spare the trees; let none the theme evade,
For what is "time," when such as these are lost.