THE POISON TREE I was angry with my friend: I told my…
“THE POISON TREE I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe; I told it not, my wrath did grow. And I water'd it in fears, Night & morning with my tears; And I sunned it with my smiles And with soft deceitful wiles. And it grew both day and night, Till it bore an apple bright; And my foe beheld it shine, And he knew that it was mine, And into my garden stole When the night had veil'd the pole: In the morning glad I see My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Holding onto anger nurtures a poisonous inner growth that eventually harms both the holder and the target, while releasing it prevents that damage.
In simple terms: Unexpressed anger breeds harm; expressing it heals.
Key Takeaway
Suppressing resentment creates a destructive inner garden.
Themes
anger
forgiveness
psychology
metaphor
consequences
Mood
reflective
cautionary
somber
Type
poetic
moral
allegorical
When to use this quote
- after a betrayal
- during a rivalry
- in a personal conflict
- when feeling hurt
- in a toxic relationship
Key Concepts
inner conflict
emotional regulation
self‑destruction
revenge
Practical Applications
- personal growth through forgiveness
- conflict resolution counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the 'poison tree' symbolize in your life?
- How might you transform lingering anger into something constructive?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that confronting a foe directly, rather than nurturing resentment, is a healthier approach.