Leaves Compared with Flowers
Leaves Compared with Flowers - meaning Summary
Preference for Leaves Over Blooms
The poem contrasts flowers and leaves as symbols of display versus substance. The speaker suggests that a tree needs the right roots to produce blooms, but he personally prefers leaves, bark, and wood—the steady, tactile parts of a tree. Late-life discoveries of ferns and lichens reinforce a turn toward modest, enduring growth rather than showy blossoms. Respondents judge leaves as nocturnal and flowers as diurnal, and the speaker embraces the darker, quieter mood of leaves as solace and companionship rather than pursuit of petals or public display.
Read Complete AnalysesA tree’s leaves may be ever so good, So may its bar, so may its wood; But unless you put the right thing to its root It never will show much flower or fruit. But I may be one who does not care Ever to have tree bloom or bear. Leaves for smooth and bark for rough, Leaves and bark may be tree enough. Some giant trees have bloom so small They might as well have none at all. Late in life I have come on fern. Now lichens are due to have their turn. I bade men tell me which in brief, Which is fairer, flower or leaf. They did not have the wit to say, Leaves by night and flowers by day. Leaves and bar, leaves and bark, To lean against and hear in the dark. Petals I may have once pursued. Leaves are all my darker mood.
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