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