There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by LLW

There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by LLW

What happens when a single childhood memory is wrapped up in a tree, a bird, and a boy? This short recording brings James Whitcomb Riley’s poem "There Was a Cherry-Tree" to life, offering a gentle pause in the day rather than a long, demanding listen.

Read aloud by LLW for LibriVox’s Weekly Poetry project, the piece centres on one repeated image: "There was a cherry tree." Through that refrain, you’re taken back to "airy visions of pure joy" and the kind of simple happiness that can feel out of reach in adult life. The language is vivid yet easy to follow, making it an inviting choice if you’re short on time or headspace.

The poem paints a clear picture: the "bloomy snows" of blossom, a "blue jay" set "blue against its white", and the magic of watching those white petals "thaw into a crimson fruitage far too sweet, but for a boy to eat." It’s all about how childhood eyes turn an ordinary tree into something almost miraculous. You’ll also hear a quiet gratitude woven through the lines: "Give thanks and joy. There was a bloom of snow.

There was a boy." The reading highlights how memory can soften life’s edges, reminding you that small, beautiful moments matter just as much as big milestones. This is a simple, focused poetry reading rather than a chatty discussion or interview, so it’s ideal if you just want to sit back, listen to a classic verse, and let your mind rest for a few minutes.

If you’re looking for something calm, reflective, and easy to absorb, this gentle slice of Riley’s work might be exactly what you need right now. When was the last time a few carefully chosen words made you stop and breathe?