READING COMPREHENSION (CLASS 9 AND 10)

Solved Worksheet 3

Alfred Joyce Kilmer ( December 1886 to July 1918) was an American writer and poet mainly remembered for a short poem titled "Trees", which was published in the collection Trees and Other Poems in 1914. The fairy poet takes a sheet Of moonbeam, silver white; His ink is dew from daisies sweet, His pen a point of light. 

Trees 

1. I think that I shall never see 

A poem lovely as a tree. 

2. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest 

Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; 

3. A tree that looks at God all day 

And lifts her leafy arms to pray; 

4. A tree that may in summer wear 

A nest of robins in her hair; 

5. Upon whose bosom snow has lain; 

Who intimately lives with rain. 

6. Poems are made by fools like me, 

But only God can make a tree. 

- JOYCE KILMER 

Read the poem carefully and answer the following questions.

1. What is the message conveyed in the poem? (stanza 1 and stanza 6)
The poem begins with the speaker stating that he will never see a poem that is more beautiful than a tree. He does not believe that humanity is capable of making something better than what God has made. The poem concludes with the speaker explaining that no matter what humankind does, no poem or piece of art will be lovelier than what already exists on the planet. This reflects the omnipotence of God. The poet says that even though man cannot create something like what God has created humans should appreciate and realize the importance of God’s creations.
2. Pick out the imagery in stanza two and explain.
The poet has used a lot of imagery to make his point. The line “A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed” symbolizes that the roots of the tree are anchored to the ground to obtain its sustenance. The poet says that the roots drink the “earth’s sweet flowing” that is the water which keeps the tree alive and fresh. In this way, the life of a tree relies on the earth, the same is true for human beings who also depend on the earth for its rich sources.
3. Explain the personification used in Stanza 3.
The poet says that, “A tree looks at God all day”. As the tree grows upwards it seems to be trying to realize God. In the next line, the poet says the tree “lifts her leafy arms to pray” this symbolizes that the different people on the earth are praying to God. The people pray and worship God for the abundant blessings that God bestows from the earth. The tree is personified as humans.
4. In what way the tree is helpful in summer?
The lines in stanza 4 are devoted to the type of tree he has in mind. It will have an intimate connection to the earth and its elements. There will be birds nesting in the branches in the summer. The tree is mentioned as ‘her’ compared to a woman and the branches are compared to her “hair”.
5. In what way the tree is helpful in winter?
In Stanza 5 the poet also praises the robustness of the tree. In severe winter the trunks of the tree usually remain covered with snow. The poet writes, “Under whose bosom snow has lain”. Bosom alludes to the trunk of the tree. The tree shelters the nest of robins both in summer and winter in different ways.

by Erin Hanson. 

Instagram star and poet who is known for having published several books which are titled “The Poetic Underground”. She often posts pictures of her poetry in unique aesthetic format to her Instagram account. She first began posting to her Instagram in December of 2013. She published her first anthology of poetry in 2014. Her work has been featured and is for sale through the Barnes and Noble website. She was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia. 

1. Never trust a mirror, 

For a mirror always lies, 

It makes you think that all you’re worth, 

Can be seen from the outside, 

2. Never trust a mirror. 

It only shows you what’s skin deep, 

You can’t see how your eyelids flutter, 

When you’re drifting off to sleep, 

3. It doesn’t show you what the world sees, 

When you’re only being you, 

Or how your eyes just light up, 

When you’re loving what you do, 

4. It doesn’t capture when you’re smiling, 

Where no one else can see, 

And your reflection cannot tell you, 

Everything you mean to me, 

5. Never trust a mirror, 

For it only shows your skin, 

And if you think that it dictates your worth, 

It’s time you looked within. 

Read the poem carefully and answer the following questions.
1. What is the theme of the poem?
The theme of the poem is about beauty.
2. What does a mirror make you think?

The mirror only shows your reflection of how you look outside but the mirror does not reveal the inner strength of a person. It makes you believe what you see in the mirror is all what you are, but it is not true. 

3. How does the poet compare the mirror to the world? ( Stanza 3)

The poet compares the mirror to the world by saying that don’t get carried away by what people talk about you. Love is everything and when you do things you love to do, it gets a lot better and you appreciate it more. Don't get lost in a society where what's pleasing to their eyes and ears becomes important. And don't get discouraged when they say you don't belong. You are your own person, you don't need any of them. 

4. What does the line ‘Everything you mean to me’ convey?
It conveys the importance of oneself, signifies self -dignity.
5. What is the message conveyed in the poem? ( stanza 5 )

The poet says that one should not ruin a day or our life just by one thing- what the society talks about us. That is not going to be of any value to one’s life. Know your worth and be it. Smile and be grateful. Life is too short, don't waste it, accept yourself, love yourself, and be yourself.