The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silver Stein

The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silverstein at Old Poetry
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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, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.... very much. And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone. Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy." "I am too big to climb and play" said the boy. "I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money?" "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money. I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time.... and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back 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.
by Sheldon Allan Silverstein

1930-unknown, 80 views Categories: None
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1 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
"I want a house to keep me warm," he said. "I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house ?" " I have no house," said the tree. "The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy." And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "come and play." "I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy ... but not really. 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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2 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
"I am too tired to climb" said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something.... but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry...." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.
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1 - 13 of 13
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3 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
On the subject of parental love...

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.
October 27
angry grandpa
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.
October 24
the boy is selfish....or maybe not

From guest jenni (contact) iaqree with chrissy she is right it isz exactly what ithink ireally enjoy this poem
October 21 Edit | Reply
me and grandma
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
October 8
4 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
wow
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!
September 29
In addition...
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.
September 24
From guest Katya (contact) September 24 I remember this book from when I was a child and 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) September 21 My mother used to read this book to me when I was 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.
5 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
Wonderful Story
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 that to the tree. He has been using the tree without ever repaying him and still the tree is allowing it.
September 7
September 2 Edit | Reply
ohh
like like like!!!!
melveen August 29 Edit | Reply
He never grows up, never learns to give back or take cbert responsibility--is this why he remains a boy? Or does 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, monyfaith in book form when I was in like, fourth grade. It has 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

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.
March 27
6 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
< Barking up the right tree

Ditto! I know many people love this poem and interpret it as the ultimate unselfishness. I always felt there was much more going on than the surface story and MMJ seems to be barking up the right tree. Charley
Charley Noble August 28 Edit | Reply
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 poem. Jim
I-Like-Rhymes March 28 Edit | Reply
Talk about giving someone the shirt off your back! Adios Muchachos August 28 I've become a bit philosophical as I've grown. It is 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
From guest Alexis (contact) My friend in my english class thought that the boy and the tree should die together.
August 27 Edit | Reply
No Subject
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
August 27
7 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
No subject- Just a commenet

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
August 22
giving tree
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
August 9
Son's favorite
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 have read and reread as I too age From guest netski (contact) a labb it ..
July 23
July 7 Edit | Reply
July 6 Edit | Reply
The Giving Tree

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!
June 29
Hold on
From guest Paul (contact) Did that boy ever even say "thank you?" Even if you love someone, you occasionally say thank you.
June 7 Edit | Reply
8 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
nice tree
so sad....the tree gives away too much and the boy is plain selfish.
peppermintedxx May 28 Edit | Reply
cool
From guest Kristen (contact) Wow so good and just like the one we are doing in reading class!
May 18 Edit | Reply
Life lesson
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.
May 6
interpretation
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...
April 21
9 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM
awww
From guest Kaitlyn (contact) i love this poem its so cute !!! 1 - 13 of 13
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April 12 Edit | Reply
10 of 10
11/5/2010 1:30 AM

The Giving Tree by Sheldon Allan Silver Stein

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