The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silverstein at Old Poetry http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/60911-Sheldon-Allan-Silverstein-The-Givin...

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The Giving Tree

Once there was a tree....
and she loved a little boy.
And everyday the boy would come
and he would gather her leaves
and make them into crowns
and play king of the forest.
He would climb up her trunk
and swing from her branches
and eat apples.
And they would play hide-and-go-seek.
And when he was tired, by Sheldon Allan
he would sleep in her shade.
And the boy loved the tree.... Silverstein
very much. 1930-unknown, 80 views
And the tree was happy.
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But time went by.
And the boy grew older. View Options
And the tree was often alone.
Then one day the boy came to the tree Line numbers
and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and Next by Sheldon Allan
climb up my trunk and swing from my Silverstein
branches and eat apples and play in my Print
shade and be happy."
"I am too big to climb and play" said Modern Poet
the boy.
"I want to buy things and have fun. This poet lived past 1955, but
our researchers have included
I want some money?"
this poem in our archive
"I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I
because it is relevant to the
have no money. study of classical poetry.
I have only leaves and apples.
Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in If you own the copyright to this
the city. Then you will have money and poem and would like us to
you will be happy." remove it from our collection,
And so the boy climbed up the please contact us. We are
tree and gathered her apples DMCA compliant.
and carried them away.
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And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time.... A free allpoetry.com account
and the tree was sad. is required to comment and
And then one day the boy came back participate. It's fast and free!
and the tree shook with joy
and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk
and swing from my branches and be happy."
"I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy.

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The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silverstein at Old Poetry http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/60911-Sheldon-Allan-Silverstein-The-Givin...

"I want a house to keep me warm," he said.

"I want a wife and I want children, Already a member?
and so I need a house.
Can you give me a house ?" Name
" I have no house," said the tree. Password
"The forest is my house,
but you may cut off
my branches and build a
house. Then you will be happy."
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And so the boy cut off her branches
and carried them away Learn from the poetic wisdom
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And the tree was happy.
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But the boy stayed away for a long time.
And when he came back, Enjoy, Emulate, Admire.
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she could hardly speak.
"Come, Boy," she whispered, Online: 439
"come and play." Gold members →
"I am too old and sad to play,"
said the boy. All online members
"I want a boat that will
take me far away from here. 439 visitors
Can you give me a boat?" Categories
"Cut down my trunk
and make a boat," said the tree. Children, Eastern, Humour,
"Then you can sail away... Life, Love, Lyrics, Myth,
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And so the boy cut down her trunk
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And after a long time

the boy came back again.
"I am sorry, Boy,"
said the tree," but I have nothing
left to give you -
My apples are gone."
"My teeth are too weak
for apples," said the boy.
"My branches are gone,"
said the tree. " You
cannot swing on them - "
"I am too old to swing
on branches," said the boy.
"My trunk is gone, " said the tree.
"You cannot climb - "

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The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silverstein at Old Poetry http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/60911-Sheldon-Allan-Silverstein-The-Givin...

"I am too tired to climb" said the boy.

"I am sorry," sighed the tree.
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"I don't need very much now," said the boy. Day Shipping
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"just a quiet place to sit and rest.
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herself up as much as she could, from around the
"well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting World!
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Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did.
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The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silverstein at Old Poetry http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/60911-Sheldon-Allan-Silverstein-The-Givin...

On the subject of parental love...

October 27
From guest esma mcay (contact) Edit | Reply
I just think this is interesting after reading some of
the comments... When the boy was little all he needed was to
stay with the tree and play with her and sleep (metaphorically) in
(her) the trees arms. As he grew up and started moving out in the
world he took more and more things from the tree everytime, she
freely gave and it was her idea on how to make things most of
the time. Its interesting to see that when he takes all these
things no matter what part of life he is in he always has a part of
her with him. She is a constant presense in her life even if her
roots are not right next to him. This story (when i get over the
boy's actions) makes me think of a kid's relationship with their
mom. I'm going off to college soon and I know that i'll take pieces
of my mom with me and she'll be in my head everyday even if i
dont call her often. their relationship is sad but heartwarming
how he comes back to her at the end even when earlier he
wanted nothing more to leave. Beautiful story.

angry grandpa
October 24
From guest dan (contact) Edit | Reply
i often ask my wife why she lets our daughter abuse
and take advantage of her, she asked me to sit down and told me
the story of the giving tree, she was happy when her daughter
was happy then i understood but i was not happy.

the boy is selfish....or maybe not

October 21
From guest jenni (contact) Edit | Reply
iaqree with chrissy she is right it isz exactly what
ithink ireally enjoy this poem

me and grandma
October 8
From guest Matt and Shonda (contact) Edit | Reply
my late grandmother would sit me on her lap and read
me this poem out of the green covered shel silverstine book. My
wife had never heard the poem and i read it to her today. We
shared a tear and some stories, thank you for the memories

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wow
September 29
From guest Chrissy S. Sanderson (contact) Edit | Reply
I think we've all read this story growing up. We didn't
really know what it was about or what it meant as children. I
read it again many years ago, about 10 years ago. I thought the
boy was selfish and so self centered. I felt sorry for the tree.
Now at 29, I read it again and realize the tree is his mother and
she'd give everything to the boy no matter the cost. The boy may
or may not have been selfish. The boy was living his life and
while the mother was sad he was gone, she was happy she could
just make him happy.
this is such a profound story at any age.
Perhaps we, the readers, are the boy and the book and author are
the tree. Continually giving to us at each stage of our lives.
Giving us what we need at the time. Allowing us to take from it
what we will and being happy for just doing so...
I read this book today because someone asked me what was the
best childrens book ever. I did not say the giving tree, but he did
and I quickly agreed. Now after reading it again I would have to
disagree. Its not the best childrens book... Its the best life long
book that grows with you. No matter what part of the tree or
book you need at the time... I'm so glad the author wrote and
shared this wonderful book!

In addition...
September 24
From guest Katya (contact) Edit | Reply
Also, I feel compelled to add that this is such an
important piece of work, especiallyright now. I say this because
it is a perfect poem about mother earth giving and giving and
humans taking and taking.. I HOPE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT
MAKES THIS PARALLEL BECAUSE WHEN WE READ THIS BOOK TO
OUR CHILDREN WE CAN TEACH THEM TO VALUE NOT ONLY OTHER
PEOPLE BUT THE TREES, ANIMALS, EARTH.

From guest Katya (contact)

I remember this book from when I was a child and September 24
Edit | Reply
now I am having a child of my own... I cannot wait
to share this story with him. We are even painting a giving tree in
his nursery!

From guest Kevin Frame (contact)

My mother used to read this book to me when I was September 21
Edit | Reply
probably about five or six. I am only 15 now, but I
feel like this book made a major impact on the way I live my life,
and the way I treat other people. This book was a big role in my
childhood, and I thank Mr. Silverstein for writing it.

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Wonderful Story
September 7
From guest Peter Hoover (contact) Edit | Reply
I read this story almost every night to my daughter
when she was two three and four, and it was always something to
look forward to a the end of the day

From guest Krate (contact)

I love it! I just think that the boy shouldn't have done September 2
Edit | Reply
that to the tree. He has been using the tree without
ever repaying him and still the tree is allowing it.

ohh
melveen
like like like!!!! August 29
Edit | Reply

He never grows up, never learns to give back or take

responsibility--is this why he remains a boy? Or does cbert
August 29
the tree see him always as he was as a boy, retaining
Edit | Reply
the magic of innoncence and simple joy that the boy
has lost? It's like a parable, but not so heavy handed. A joy to
read for the tree in me that will never forget the little boy I once
was, and for the man in me who is learning to love and
appreciate all the trees for all they are.

I am thirty and I first came in contact with this poem,

in book form when I was in like, fourth grade. It has monyfaith
August 28
always made me sad for the tree. No one has drawn
Edit | Reply
the correlation between men and women and how the
tree is like a woman in this boy's life. Giving until there is nothing
left. And the tree still gives, even when (she) it has literally
nothing left.

What an amazing allegory

March 27
From guest MMJ advocate (contact) Edit | Reply
All this debate about "what message does that send
to kids," "if the boy really loved the tree," etc. This is what we
are doing to our environment. We are living so unbelievably out
of whack with nature. We are raping the planet of her resources,
we know we're doing this and yet we continue at the whims of
our elected officials. both parties beholden to huge corporate
interests. We a living out this allegory right now.

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< Barking up the right tree

Ditto!

I know many people love this poem and

interpret it as the ultimate unselfishness. I Charley Noble
always felt there was much more going on August 28
than the surface story and MMJ seems to be Edit | Reply

barking up the right tree.

Charley

Not seeing the wood for the trees.

Thank you for opening my eyes to what is now
so obvious. My earlier comment seems so silly
now.
I feel you have nailed the true meaning of this I-Like-Rhymes
poem. March 28
Edit | Reply
Jim

Talk about giving someone the shirt off your back! Adios Muchachos
I've become a bit philosophical as I've grown. It is August 28
Edit | Reply
almost an incumbency
on seniors.
If he had been as stumped as to what he wanted in the beginning
he wouldn't have been so in the end.LOL
I've heard of Mr Silverstein but this is the first I've read of him.
Wonder if this was written for young folks?

Different ending
August 27
From guest Alexis (contact) Edit | Reply
My friend in my english class thought that the boy and
the tree should die together.

No Subject
August 27
From guest Blueberry Muffin (contact) Edit | Reply
This poem is so cute. It really does touch your heart.
And even though the tree had nothing left to give, the tree was
with the boy everyday cause she was his house and his boat. Very
touching

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The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silverstein at Old Poetry http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/60911-Sheldon-Allan-Silverstein-The-Givin...

No subject- Just a commenet

August 22
From guest LeAnn Brown (contact) Edit | Reply
Such a touching poem. It really is beautiful. I
remember crying when I was younger. And hey, who can blame
me? The tree had such a strong love for the boy, that it touched
me. <3

giving tree
August 9
From guest jim griffin (contact) Edit | Reply
this is a beautiful poem, and I am sure Garrett was a
beautiful person, he had good taste in poetry, and i am sure his
soul lives in every person he knew, or did not know, but is in , as
he is in all he knew

Son's favorite
July 23
From guest Myra Terrell Crayton (contact) Edit | Reply
My son, Garrett, loved Shel Silverstein's books. He had
most of them. This was one of his favorite books. Garrett died
9-22-03, six days before his 12th birthday. He was an organ
donor, and this book is exactly what Garrett was...giving. He
gave everything he had and saved or helped 100 people live
better lives. It is amazing how things come full circle.

From guest lawrence goldman (contact)

a metaphor for life's journey, one of my favorites I July 7
Edit | Reply
have read and reread as I too age

From guest netski (contact)

a labb it .. July 6
Edit | Reply

The Giving Tree

June 29
From guest Edna Martinez (contact) Edit | Reply
This is a classic. This piece of art not only bring
abundant memories, but a rush of sadness that brings us to
reality. It is very true how being the most dominating species we
slowly have progressed into brutal and selfish individuals. This
message should be presented to everyone! Viva la Naturaleza!

Hold on
June 7
From guest Paul (contact) Edit | Reply
Did that boy ever even say "thank you?" Even if you
love someone, you occasionally say thank you.

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nice tree peppermintedxx

May 28
so sad....the tree gives away too much and the Edit | Reply
boy is plain selfish.

cool
May 18
From guest Kristen (contact) Edit | Reply
Wow so good and just like the one we are doing in
reading class!

Life lesson
May 6
From guest Braden Tjosaas (contact) Edit | Reply
I loved this book as a kid and my parents raised like
the tree, and this has definitely taught me a life lesson, LIVE
YOUR LIFE LIKE THE TREE, or even better, raise your kids and
grand kids like the tree. I've learned it is VERY hard to live like
the tree at times, but it makes for a very comfy conscious at
night, especially when you really give yourself to someone and
they take it and sail away, it does hurt, but at least I know i'll
have no regrets in the end. I believe that at the end of the poem
the tree was filled happiness, which is how I would like to go, and
the boy was filled with regrets, I wouldn't be able to sleep at
night with that on my conscious.

interpretation
April 21
From guest Adam (contact) Edit | Reply
This is a wonderful poem, and people who can't see
past the environmental and moral aspect are far too egotistical.
This poem is not about the boy at all, but about happiness and
selflessness. It investigates happiness between giver and
receiver, and how fleeting happiness can be for both. Giving and
receiving can be multiplied endlessly. Every one of us is both the
boy and the tree. Everyone wants to give to someone - a child, a
lover, even the ego - endlessly, but the receiver might not
respond as we want. The receiver is also unsettled, unhappy,
unsure. The Boy is not selfish. The boy is merely seeking. And the
tree, in its own way, is seeking too. The tree wants to stop the
passage of time and hold on to world as it exists only in memory.
Neither boy nor tree can see the *real* world. This is the nature
of human desire, as well as human love. Love can distort, and
make us unhappy. And yet it can't be denied that the beauty
expressed in the poem's depiction of selflessness is so powerful, it
exemplifies the most absolutely beautiful things about life. Are
we meant to be unhappy? What a sad thought...

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awww
April 12
From guest Kaitlyn (contact) Edit | Reply
i love this poem its so cute !!!

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