At the beginning of the poem 'The Casuarina Tree' the poet likens the Casuarina tree to a giant wearing a scarf of creeper. The creeper winds around the trunk like a python. We imagine the tree to be very tall, as it's summit is described as 'near the stars.' The tree is described as being gallant, and possibly brave, as few other trees could survive in the strangle-hold of this creeper. The poet then goes on to describe the life that thrives amid every facet of the tree (the baboon in its boughs, the crimson flowers,water lilies in its shadow.) But these are not the main reasons why the poet holds the tree so dear. The other is that it holds memories of loved ones, so strong that it brings tears to the poet's eyes. We then hear that the tree too is sad, and cries a lament. The poet continues with a description of how strong the image of the tree is, even when in lands far away. The poet wishes to consecrate the tree's memory and importance for the sake of those who are now dead - and looks ahead to his own death, hoping that the tree be spared obscurity (or that no-one will remember it.)
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