How Does the Poet Describe the Long Process of Growth of a Tree?

Gieve Patel’s poem “On Killing A Tree” begins with graphic descriptions of the slow and long process of the growth of a tree. It has grown slowly and strongly consuming the earth and absorbing Sunlight, air and water for years. Nourished by the earth, it rises out of the earth’s surface. It grows bigger and bigger absorbing years of sunlight, air, and water keeping its roots firmly inside the earth. Even if it is cut down, the tree overcomes man’s onslaught, by branching of small stems close to the ground and sprouting small branches with the help of the root and assumes life again.