A poem about a Christmas tree by E. E. Cummings

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash‍ ‍

Before I take down our tree, I thought I’d share this. Previously unknown to me, but it appeared in The Writer’s Almanac daily postings this week. (By the way, I did a search to check on whether or not E. E. Cummings’ name should be capitalized or lowercase — since all his poetry is lower case. Apparently that rule does not extend to his name.)

by E. E. Cummings

little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don't be afraid

look     the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms
and i'll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy

then when you're quite dressed
you'll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they'll stare!
oh but you'll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we'll dance and sing
"Noel Noel"