William Morris

Tapestry Trees

Oak.
 
I am the Roof-tree and the Keel;
I bridge the seas for woe and weal.
 
Fir.
 
High o’er the lordly oak I stand,
And drive him on from land to land.
 
Ash.
 
I heft my brother’s iron bane;
I shaft the spear, and build the wain.
 
Yew.
 
Dark down the windy dale I grow,
The father of the fateful Bow.
 
Poplar.
 
The war-shaft and the milking-bowl
I make, and keep the hay-wain whole.
 
Olive.
 
The King I bless; the lamps I trim;
In my warm wave do fishes swim.
 
Apple-tree.
 
I bowed my head to Adam’s will;
The cups of toiling men I fill.
 
Vine.
 
I draw the blood from out the earth;
I store the sun for winter mirth.
 
Orange-tree.
 
Amidst the greenness of my night,
My odorous lamps hang round and bright.
 
Fig-tree.
 
I who am little among trees
In honey-making mate the bees.
 
Mulberry—tree.
 
Love’s lack hath dyed my berries red:
For Love’s attire my leaves are shed.
 
Pear-tree.
 
High o’er the mead-flowers’ hidden feet
I bear aloft my burden sweet.
 
Bay.
 
Look on my leafy boughs, the Crown
Of living song and dead renown!
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