The poem: A Heritage of Trees written by David Horsdurgh

 The poem: A Heritage of Trees written by David Horsdurgh 

Paraphrase of the poem: 

The Heritage of Trees

Stanza 1

I saw a man attack a tree today

About twenty miles along it

There you'll see a tragic sight.

Paraphrase 1

The poet saw a man damaging a tree, and nearby lay a sorrowful sight of many ruined trees.

Stanza 2

A line of noble trees

Mutilated; branches ripped

Untimely from their trunks,

The trunks themselves

Wounded, lacerated

Some live attenuated

Cripples; some

Have died.

Paraphrase 2

Once-grand trees now stand broken and wounded. Their branches are torn off, and many are either dying or dead, their scars beyond healing.

Stanza 3

Their sides

Browned by the sun

Their scabs and scars

Defy repair.

Those noble trees

Planted long since

By some sweet hand,

Sher Shah or unknown,

Or royal patronage.

Paraphrase 3

Their sides are discolored from the sun, and their injuries are beyond repair. These magnificent trees were planted a long time ago by a kind person.

These trees were lovingly planted long ago, perhaps by Sher Shah Suri or by unknown hands under royal care.

Stanza 4

Let them come now from some

More peaceful shade

To look once more

On their life's work.

Paraphrase 4

If those people could return from their peaceful rest, they would sadly witness the destruction of their noble work.

Stanza 5

Trees for the people?

Let all enjoy them

Hack them cut them up

So that the fires

That cook the village food

Shall burn more hot.

Trees are our heritage

And ash so holy.

Paraphrase 5

Are these trees meant to belong to everyone?

Let everyone use them; chop them up so the village fires will burn hotter and cook food better.

The trees are part of our inheritance, and their ashes are revered or treated as sacred.

Summary

The poem, A Heritage of Trees written by David Horsdurgh mourns the destruction of old trees once planted with love and care, possibly by noble rulers. These trees, now wounded and dying, symbolize the loss of respect for nature and heritage. The poet criticizes how people selfishly destroy trees for daily needs while pretending to value them as sacred. The poem is both a lament and a warning against human greed and negligence toward nature.

Central Idea

The poem, A Heritage of Trees written by David Horsdurgh stresses that trees are a priceless heritage from our ancestors and must be protected. Their destruction reflects human greed and disrespect for the environment.

Theme:

The poem, A Heritage of Trees written by David Horsdurgh shows how people destroy trees that were once planted with care and love. It highlights human greed and neglect toward nature. The poet reminds us that trees are our true heritage and must be protected, not cut down for selfish needs.

Literary Devices

Imagery: “Branches ripped,” “sides browned by the sun” Creates vivid visual pictures of destruction

Irony: “Ash so holy” Shows human hypocrisy worshipping what they destroy

Personification: “Cripples,” “wounded” trees Gives human qualities to trees to evoke sympathy

Alliteration: “Some sweet hand” Adds rhythm and emphasis

Symbolism: Trees = heritage, life, and nature Represents continuity between past and present

Contrast: Noble past vs careless present Highlights human irresponsibility

Tone: Mournful, ironic, and critical Shows the poet’s sadness and disapproval

Rhyme scheme: This is not a rhyming poem; so there is no ryhme scheme