"Cherry Tree" by Ruskin Bond

Based on classroom curriculum presentations by Sidheshwar N. Awad

Nature has a beautiful, stubborn way of thriving, even when left entirely to its own devices. In his evocative poem "Cherry Tree", celebrated author Ruskin Bond beautifully captures the struggle, resilience, and ultimate triumph of a tiny cherry seed planted against the odds. Whether you are a student preparing for your Class 11 English examination or a poetry lover exploring nature themes, this comprehensive breakdown provides the perfect synopsis, critical appreciation, and study solutions.

About the Poet: Ruskin Bond

Born on 19 May 1934, Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most beloved authors. He lives in the scenic hill station of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, and the natural beauty of the mountains has deeply influenced his poetry and prose. Over the years, he has written novels, essays, short stories, and children’s literature that continue to inspire readers across generations.

Major Awards & Famous Works

The Room on the Roof – Awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957.
Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra – Won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992.
National Honours – Awarded the Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2014).
Other famous works include The Blue Umbrella, A Flight of Pigeons, and Scenes from a Writer’s Life.

Ice Breaker: Why Do We Revere Trees?

Before studying the poem, it is important to understand why trees hold such a special place in our lives and in literature. Trees are valuable because:

They provide shade, shelter, oxygen, fruits, flowers, and wood.
They help maintain ecological balance in the environment.
They prevent soil erosion, floods, and landslides.
They reduce carbon dioxide and purify the atmosphere.

The Poem: "Cherry Tree"

Read the poem carefully and notice how the tiny seed slowly grows into a beautiful cherry tree despite many difficulties.

Eight years have passed Since I placed my cherry seed in the grass. "Must have a tree of my own," I said, And watered it once and went to bed And forgot; but cherries have a way of growing, Though no one's caring very much or knowing. And suddenly that summer near the end of May, I found a tree had come to stay. It was very small, five months child, Lost in the tall grass running wild. Goats ate the leaves, the grass cutter scythe Split it apart and a monsoon blight Shrivelled the slender stem...... Even so, Next spring I watched three new shoots grow, The young tree struggle, upward thrust Its arms in a fresh fierce lust For light and air and sun. I could only wait, as one Who watched, wandering, while Time and the rain Made a miracle from green growing pain....... I went away next year— Spent a season in Kashmir— Came back thinner, rather poor, But richer by a cherry tree at my door. Six feet high my own dark cherry, And I could scarcely believe it—a berry. Ripened and jeweled in the sun, Hung from a branch—just one! And next year there were blossoms small Pink, fragile, quick to fall At the merest breath, the sleepiest breeze. I lay on the grass, at ease, Looking up through leaves at the blue Blind sky, at the finches as they flew And flitted through the dappled green. While bees in an ecstasy drank Of nectar from each bloom and the sun sank Swiftly, and the stars turned in the sky, And moon-moths and singing crickets and I Praised Night and Stars and tree: Yes, I! That small, the cherry, grown by me. — Ruskin Bond

Vocabulary Guide

Word	Meaning
Scythe	A tool with a long curved blade used to cut grass.
Blight	A disease that damages or destroys plants.
Shrivelled	Wrinkled, dried up, or withered.
Lust	A strong desire; here it means the tree’s intense urge to grow.
Dappled	Marked with patches of light and shade.
Ecstasy	A feeling of great joy and delight.
Flitted	Moved quickly and lightly.

Poem Synopsis & Core Themes

"Cherry Tree" is a beautiful narrative poem that tells the story of a cherry seed planted by the poet. The poet casually plants the seed and waters it once, but then forgets about it. Despite this neglect, the seed begins to grow on its own. As the poem progresses, the little plant faces many hardships — goats eat its leaves, a grass cutter damages it, and monsoon disease weakens its stem. Yet the sapling survives and grows again with determination.

Over time, the tiny plant becomes a strong cherry tree. It bears a berry, then blossoms, and eventually becomes a source of joy for birds, bees, and the poet himself. Lying under the tree, the poet feels wonder, peace, and pride. The poem celebrates nature’s resilience, the miracle of growth, and the deep emotional bond between humans and nature.

Poetic Style & Literary Devices

The poem is written in a simple, natural, and narrative style. It follows the growth of the cherry tree in a chronological manner, making it easy to understand and enjoyable to read. Ruskin Bond uses several poetic devices to make the poem vivid and expressive:

Alliteration: “Shrivelled the slender stem” – repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
Personification: “The young tree struggle, upward thrust / Its arms...” – the tree is given human qualities.
Antithesis: “Came back thinner, rather poor, / But richer by a cherry tree...” – opposite ideas are placed together.
Imagery: The poem creates strong visual images of blossoms, bees, birds, stars, and moonlit nature.
Theme of resilience: The cherry tree becomes a symbol of patience, courage, and survival.

Brainstorming Solutions: Important Questions

Q1. Find proof from the poem showing the tree’s struggle for survival.

Answer: The tree’s struggle is clearly shown in these lines:
“Goats ate the leaves, the grass cutter scythe / Split it apart and a monsoon blight / Shrivelled the slender stem...”
These lines show that the tree suffered repeated damage but still survived and grew again.

Q2. True or False

The cherry tree did not take long to grow.	False	The poet says “Eight years have passed,” showing it took a long time.
Birds and insects benefited from the tree.	True	Bees drank nectar and finches flew through its branches.
The poet regrets planting the cherry tree.	False	The poet feels joy, wonder, and pride in the final lines.

The Ultimate Message of the Poem

The poem teaches us a powerful lesson about hope, patience, and resilience. Just as the cherry tree survives goats, storms, disease, and neglect, human beings too can face difficulties and still grow stronger. The poem reminds us that nature has a quiet but extraordinary strength, and that even small beginnings can lead to something beautiful.

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Presented for students and language learners. Practice composition exercises and try writing a narrative poem of your own!

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English Yuvakbharati

Poem 2.1 "CHERRY TREE _ By Ruskin Bond