In a lesson that integrated science and language arts, fourth-graders in Mrs. Stinson's class read Alfred Joyce Kilmer's poem "Trees."
Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
The students were then asked to write 3-5 sentences explaining what the poem meant to them. Here are some of their responses:
"I think this poem is trying to tell me that even trees somehow worship God. It also says to me anything created by man will never be a beautiful as something created by God. You can always count on God to be there like a big sturdy tree." - Melinda Childs
"The poem recognizes God's awesome power. It also recognizes how beautiful nature is. The poem also humbles man by saying that man can only make things like this poem, but God can make great things like nature." - William Groover
"The poem 'Trees' by Alfred Joyce Kilmer, to me, says that he is a Christian. Alfred seems to be a very peaceful, down-to-earth man. Obviously he admires trees. It also says he appreciates the beauty of God's creations such as a tree." - Farrin Mumpower
"I believe the poem is saying trees are beautiful and are only made by God. It's also describing what happens to trees in each season. He's also saying a tree is a part of nature. He is referring to the tree as a female and that she it very tall." - Emily Orr
"I think that the poem is very lovely. The writer has a point - that God can only make a tree. I can tell that he loves trees. I think he is saying that trees are the most beautiful thing ever." - Mary Madison Shropshire
"Only God can create living things. Every living thing should praise God. God make trees because they are useful." - Clayton Bennett
"This poem says to me that God has given you trees and provided you with oxygen that trees give. It also says that you need to pay attention to what God has given you. Also, it says that trees are one of the sweetest things that God has made for us." - Alexandra Bradshaw
"This poem says to me that God has given you a new day. Also it says to me that you need to pay more attention to what God has given us because He is our Lord. He has also given the best thing we need, oxygen to breathe." - Avery Smith
"The poem says to me that trees are made by God. Trees also get to experience all the seasons that God has give us in this poem. The rain in the spring, the birds in the summer, and the snow in the winter. Trees get to praise God all day long." - Jack Talley
