# The Friendly Trees explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

A poetic celebration of trees as divine gifts, emphasizing their role in providing shelter, sustenance, and beauty for all creatures, and framing tree planting as a sacred act that blesses future generations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Divine Beauty

Trees are portrayed as divine creations that provide comfort, shelter, and beauty, reflecting God's love through nature.

### Spiritual Peace and Rest

The chapter concludes with a wish for burial at the foot of a friendly tree, symbolizing peaceful rest and resurrection.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who sings of the bounty of trees and reflects on their spiritual significance.

### Jesus

Referenced as the Lord who sets up trees as green tents and is loving to birds.

## Key lines

> He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, He provideth a kindness for many generations, And faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.

Planting a tree is a sacred act that benefits countless future people, who will be grateful even though they never knew the planter.

_Emphasizes the enduring legacy and selfless service of tree planting._

> Lord, when my spirit shall return to thee, At the foot of a friendly tree let my body be buried, That this dust may rise and rejoice among the branches.

The speaker asks to be buried under a tree so that their remains might one day be part of its joyful growth and resurrection.

_Connects physical death with hope of renewal through nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-friendly-trees
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters