"Loveliest of Trees" is a poem by A.E. Housman, published in his collection "A Shropshire Lad" in 1896. The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of life and beauty, as the speaker contemplates a cherry tree in bloom.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring that the cherry tree is "loveliest of trees," and asking it "where are you now?" This question suggests that the speaker is separated from the tree in some way, perhaps physically or temporally. The tree is described as being "in bloom," which emphasizes its beauty and youth.
The speaker goes on to say that the tree's "white wedding flowers" are "shrouded now," implying that the tree's blooms have wilted or died. This imagery highlights the transitory nature of life and beauty, as even the loveliest of things must eventually pass away.
The speaker also reflects on the passing of time, saying that "by and by," the tree will "be glad" again when it blooms once more. This suggests that the speaker has a long-term perspective, recognizing that even though the tree's beauty is fleeting, it will return in the future.
The final stanza of the poem presents a contrast between the "deathless spring" of the cherry tree and the speaker's own mortality. The speaker says that they will "fade" and "die" while the tree "will bloom again," emphasizing the tree's enduring beauty and the speaker's own impermanence.
Overall, "Loveliest of Trees" is a poem that explores themes of mortality, the passing of time, and the fleeting nature of beauty. It invites readers to consider the fleeting nature of their own lives and to appreciate the beauty of the world around them while they can.