Poems That Take Us Up High: Exploring the Beauty of Climbing Trees

There's something magical about climbing trees. From the moment we hoist ourselves up onto the first sturdy branch, we enter a world of adventure, freedom, and imagination. The act of climbing trees has captivated poets for centuries, inspiring them to craft verses that capture the sheer joy and wonder of being up high in the embrace of nature. In this article, we'll explore a selection of poems about climbing trees that invite us to experience the world from a different perspective.

1. "The Swing" by Robert Louis Stevenson

How do you feel when you're swinging high on a swing? Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "The Swing" perfectly captures the exhilaration of soaring through the air, suspended by nothing but a rope and a dream. Here's an excerpt from the poem:

"Up in the air so blue? Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!"

Stevenson's words remind us of the unadulterated joy we experience while climbing trees and swinging freely, evoking a sense of nostalgia for our carefree childhood days.

2. "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer

In his famous poem "Trees," Joyce Kilmer pays homage to the beauty and importance of trees in our lives. While not solely about climbing trees, his words inspire us to appreciate the wonders of nature and the significance of trees as we ascend their branches. Here's an excerpt:

"I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's 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.

Kilmer's words remind us of the beauty that surrounds us when we venture up into the canopy of a tree, where we can appreciate the intricate connection between nature and ourselves.

3. "Climbing Trees" by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver, a poet known for her deep connection to nature, paints a vivid picture of the transformative experience of climbing trees in her poem "Climbing Trees." She explores the sense of freedom and discovery that comes with ascending to new heights. An excerpt from the poem reads:

"I don't want to be demure or respectable.
I was that way, asleep, for years.
That way, you forget too many important things.
Sitting around, I become someone else.
I get dumb, I turn stupid.
Then, danger is beating its wings."

Oliver's words remind us that climbing trees can awaken a dormant part of ourselves, encouraging us to break free from societal constraints and embrace the thrill and vitality of life.

From the innocence of Robert Louis Stevenson's swinging to the profound appreciation of Joyce Kilmer's trees and the transformative experience captured by Mary Oliver's climbing, these poems remind us of the unique joy and meaning that climbing trees can bring. So, the next time you find yourself gazing up at a majestic tree, don't hesitate to climb its branches and discover the world from a different perspective. As these poets have shown us, there's poetry in the act of climbing trees, waiting for us to explore it.