Thinking about the Poem
I. Questions:
Q1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
Answer:
Q2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.
Answer:
Q3. What is the meaning of “bleeding bark”? What makes it bleed?
Answer:
Q4. The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?
Answer:
Q5. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?
Answer:
Q6. What does he mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”?
Answer:
Q7. What finally kills the tree?
Answer: