There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by RN

There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by RN

How do people find hope in the darkest times? Sometimes it comes in very small, gentle moments, like remembering a single cherry tree from childhood. This short episode features James Whitcomb Riley’s poem **"There Was a Cherry-Tree"**, read in a calm, clear style by RN, as part of a LibriVox Weekly Poetry project. Across just a few stanzas, the poem lingers on one simple image: “There was a cherry tree.

There was a cherry tree.” From there, it builds a soft, nostalgic picture of childhood vision and simple joy. You’ll hear about “bloomy snows” of white blossom that “cool even now the fevered sight,” a blue jay whose colour shifts with memory, and fruit “far too sweet but for a boy to eat.” The mood is reflective and gentle, ideal for anyone who wants a brief pause in their day.

If you’re dealing with stress, recovery, or just feeling worn down, this piece offers a quiet space to sit with memory, nature, and gratitude. The language is straightforward yet vivid, keeping things easy to follow while still painting strong images in your mind. There’s no analysis or discussion added; it’s just the poem, left to speak for itself, read slowly enough that you can really soak in each line.

You might find yourself thinking about your own childhood scenes, or the small details that still bring comfort years later. For those who like to use poetry as a moment of calm, reflection, or grounding, this episode is a simple, soothing listen. Who knew one cherry tree, one blue jay, and one boy could stir up so much quiet feeling?