I stood still and was a tree amid the wood,
Knowing the truth of things unseen before;
Of Daphne and the laurel bow
And that god-feasting couple old
that grew elm-oak amid the wold.
‘Twas not until the gods had been
Kindly entreated, and been brought within
Unto the hearth of their heart’s home
That they might do this wonder thing;
Nathless I have been a tree amid the wood
And many a new thing understood
That was rank folly to my head before.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Ezra Pound's poem The Tree

11 Comments

  1. Sk. Rahaman says:

    Lovely poem. I love this poem. the poem reminds me of my college days. You site has vry nice collection of poems. well keep it up

  2. Marfe Nasole Nique says:

    i encountered this poem in our english subject..and there is something made me cunfused in this poem…..it would be better if the students who will be reading this poem or literary works familiarize first the mythology stories…………………………………..

  3. Michael Jon says:

    This poem is sensational. Although Pound alludes to Eastern mythology in this poem, the sacred tree that gives knowledge of unseen and unknown knowledge is also in Old Norse mythology. Odin remains in Yggdrasil for (I think) 7 days and learns ancient knowledge.

  4. oubaida says:

    I like this poem for it represents to the picture of the man who stood to see everything around him and explain the ideas which he has captured

  5. oubaida says:

    I like this poem for it represents to the picture of the man who stood to see everything around him and explain the ideas which he has captured

  6. Little One says:

    Although I am not sure if Apollo was driven by love, lust or ego; By taking a piece of her soul (a bow from the laurel) and placing it atop his head Apollo was able to hold Daphne near (a crown/wreath of laurel honoring his love for her). Love is complex with no defined boundries but many degrees/levels…Yet there are rules of engagement, making it not only wonderful but incredibly scary.

  7. Little One says:

    My search led me here…interesting perspectives on this poem…it paints a picture of a relationship that transcends all other realms of understanding and acceptance.

  8. jdog1040 says:

    I love this poem….. I too desire loves unkown, as i too pursue unquenched. Sad Story of Apollo.

  9. Jdog 1040 says:

    I love this poem… I desire, what was once unknown

  10. junior says:

    good poem, filled with tons of sexual symbolism, reads easy and is written by what i think one of the best american writers.

  11. Sarah Bucken says:

    the most bucken amazing bucken poem that i ever bucken read! KNUCK IF U BUCK!

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