There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by UM

There Was a Cherry-Tree - Read by UM

The poem itself circles around a single image: “There was a cherry tree.” From there, it spins out vivid scenes of colour and contrast – “the blue jade set, his blue against its fight, or blue as jet” – and links the tree to a child, “as when you were born.” You’ll hear snow, blossom, and fruit all folded into one short piece that shifts from “pure white snows” to “crimson fruitage”, ending with the warm line, “There was a cherry tree, give thanks and joy.” This episode is likely to appeal to anyone who enjoys classic poetry, quiet reflection, or just having something soothing to listen to for a few minutes.

Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of how art and language can soothe a tired mind, as this short piece offers a gentle reading of James Whitcomb Riley’s poem “There Was a Cherry-Tree”. Read by UM for LibriVox, the episode keeps things simple: just a clear voice, a classic poem, and a few minutes of calm.

There’s no commentary, no analysis, and no chatter – just the poem, read slowly and clearly so you can focus on the words and images. Because the recording is part of a LibriVox project, it also hints at the wider tradition of volunteers sharing public domain works, making poetry like Riley’s easy to hear wherever you are.

If you’re looking for something brief, gentle, and rooted in simple images of a tree, a boy, snow, and fruit, this reading might be a good pause in your day. How often do you give yourself a moment just to sit with a single poem and let the pictures in the language settle in your mind?