I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree,” recited Mr Javed, as he entered the classroom. “Is this English or Environmental Science?” muttered Sagar.

“Both, I suspect,” Rani whispered. “You know how Mr Javed likes to combine the two.” “The poet,” went on the teacher, “goes on to remind us that while human beings are capable of writing verse, only the Creator can fashion something as beautiful as a tree.”

“Where does English come in?” said Sagar softly. Not softly enough, for Mr Javed answered. “This is English, Sagar. I have been referring to lines by Joyce Kilmer. As Rani said earlier, I enjoy clubbing my interest in the subject I teach with my zeal for conservation. After that tree poem, let us go on to a tree puzzle. Spot a tree in— “As he ran to the door, he fell.”

The class was silent. “We give up, Sir,” said Sagar. “Ash in the first two words,” said Mr Javed.

“We’ve never heard of it,” protested Sagar. “To us, Ash is Aishwarya of Bollywood!” “It’s about time you got to know your trees,” laughed Mr Javed. “In each of the following, a tree is hidden in one word, two words or three.”
Example: The bee chased the girl around the room.

Answer: beech
1. From this gold plate a king once ate.
2. Although I am ill I lack nothing by way of treatment.
3. He has penned his thoughts in verse.
4. Soak those dirty clothes in water.
5. There is a public tap in every part of town.
6. She sold nine emeralds.
7. Do not rob any animal of its shelter.
8. The captain stood at the helm of his ship.
9. His keen eye watched her every move.
10. They were the first to arrive.

Suryakumari Dennison

Answers: 1 teak  2 lilac  3 aspen  4 oak  5 pine  6 neem  7 banyan  8 elm 9. yew  10 fir