The poplar is a lonely tree. It has no branches spreading wide Where birds may sing or squirrels hide. It throws no shadows on the grass Tempting the wayfarers who pass To stop and sit there quietly. The poplar sees each neighbour tree Loved by the birds. The oriole Swings from the elm its home; the bole Of that rough oak, above, around, Hears the woodpecker's rapid sound As on he works industriously. The poplar is a slender tree. It has no boughs where children try To climb far off into the sky. To hold a swing it's far too weak, Too small it is for hide-and-seek. Friendless, forsaken it must be. The poplar is a restless tree. At every breeze its branches bend And signal to the child, "Come, friend." Its leaves forever whispering To thrush and robin, "Stay and sing." They pass. It quivers plaintively. Poplars are lonely. They must grow Close to each other in a row. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE FIDDLING WOOD by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET CAVE PAINTING by HAYDEN CARRUTH |