A Tree Unplanted: A Critical Analysis of J. Antonio Carpio’s “Trees”
Members
Benatiro, Arhiane
Catchpole, Rachel Elena
Jubay, Maekenzie Jheyden
Orlanes, Andrea Claire
Tejeno, Mariness
Introduction
In Trees by J. Antonio Carpio, the speaker, refuses to follow a rule that tells them to plant trees because they believe they should be able to make their own choices. They argue that they should be free to plant whatever they like, like mangoes or roses, without anyone forcing them to follow a decree. The speaker shows their dissatisfaction with being controlled in lines like “I just don’t wanna be a slave / Of any mortal same as me!”, highlighting how much they value their freedom. This makes the poem feel personal and bold, as the speaker stands up for their right to decide for themselves. The poem really captures that feeling of wanting to be independent and free from restrictions.
The poem also points out the unfairness of deforestation, where loggers destroy the land, and regular people have to deal with the consequences. The speaker asks, “Where is the justice of it all?”, showing their anger about how nature is being treated. While it’s mostly about resisting control, the poem also highlights the bigger issue of environmental harm. It brings attention to how deforestation affects everyone, not just those who are directly causing it. Overall, the speaker’s fight for their freedom, mixed with concern for the environment, makes the poem both powerful and thought-provoking.
Summary
The poem “Trees” by J. Antonio Carpio reflects the speaker’s refusal to comply with a government rule requiring citizens to plant trees. The speaker criticizes the fairness of this law, arguing that it takes away the freedom to choose what to plant and when. They point out the injustice of making ordinary people responsible for fixing environmental damage while allowing loggers to continue destroying forests. The poem uses a simple rhyming structure and a conversational tone, blending humor and criticism to highlight the speaker’s frustration. Through its personal perspective, the poem delivers a strong message about freedom and fairness.
Analysis and Interpretation
J. Antonio Carpio’s “Trees” shows his frustrations with unfair government policies and his desire for personal freedom. The poem mentions pili and mango trees, which are part of Filipino culture, to show how planting should be a personal choice, not something forced by a decree. Carpio might be expressing his thoughts on how ordinary people are made to solve big problems, like deforestation, while those in power don’t take responsibility. His connection to nature and his cultural background makes the poem relatable and meaningful.
The poem uses simple but effective language, written in rhyming lines that make it easy to read and enjoyable. Carpio’s use of humor and sarcasm, like in the line “Poems are made by fools like me, but greater fools made this decree,” adds a playful tone while still being critical. The first-person point of view helps readers feel the speaker’s frustration, while rhetorical questions like “Where is the justice of it all?” make readers think more deeply about the issue. The casual and conversational style makes the poem relatable and easy to connect with.
The poem also tackles important social issues, like deforestation and unfair systems in the Philippines. It shows how ordinary people are blamed for fixing environmental problems, while the real culprits, like loggers, are ignored. Trees are important in Filipino culture for food, beauty, and livelihood, and the poem reminds us of their value. Overall, Carpio’s message is about fairness and justice, calling for everyone to take responsibility instead of putting all the burden on regular citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the poem 'Trees' by J. Antonio Carpio gives a strong critique to both environmental injustice and government authority. The speaker's opposition to following laws as it restricts the freedom they have to choose what to plant is not just a statement of independence but also it is a call for fairness in environmental responsibilities. By pointing out the deceits of the loggers who continue to destroy forests while ordinary people are the ones who have to address the damage caused, the poem is able to highlight the need for greater justice and accountability in environmental matters in our world. Its message encourages to have a planet where both freedom and the environment is being respected by us humans.
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The poem highlights environmental destruction and the unfairness of holding regular people accountable for something that big corporations, like loggers, contribute to. This issue affects us by showing how environmental harm isn’t just the fault of individuals. While families may try to help by planting trees or conserving resources, large industries continue to destroy forests.
This impacts society through more natural disasters, loss of animal species, and the effects of climate change. Research shows that deforestation plays a huge role in climate change and natural disasters. For example, a 2023 report from the World Resources Institute says that 16 million hectares of forest are lost each year, mostly because of commercial activities. Addressing this issue is important because it’s not just about planting trees. It’s about holding industries accountable and ensuring that everyone shares the responsibility for taking care of the environment. Tackling these bigger problems will help us build a more sustainable future.
Environmental destruction, especially by big industries like logging, is a growing problem. The poem "Trees" shows how humans harm nature for their own benefit and how it’s unfair to blame regular people for the damage caused by large corporations. While individuals may try to help by planting trees or saving resources, big companies continue to destroy forests, leading to issues like natural disasters, loss of animals, and climate change. A 2023 report reveals that 16 million hectares of forest are lost every year due to commercial activities.
To solve this, individuals and society must take action. People can support eco-friendly businesses, reduce waste, and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. While planting trees is helpful, it’s not enough to fix the damage caused by industries. Consumers can also make a difference by buying from companies that care about the environment.
On a larger scale, society must hold big companies accountable for the harm they cause. Governments should create stricter laws to prevent activities like deforestation. Global agreements, like the Paris Agreement, can also help countries work together to protect the environment.
In conclusion, everyone must act to stop environmental destruction. Individuals can make eco-friendly choices, and businesses and governments need to take responsibility. Together, we can protect nature and build a sustainable future.
References
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Weisse, M., Goldman, E., & Carter, S. (2024, April 4). Forest Pulse: The latest on the world’s forests. https://research.wri.org/gfr/latest-analysis-deforestation-trends
Al Jazeera. (2024, October 8). Global forest loss exceeds targets in 2023, report warns. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/8/global-forest-loss-exceeds-targets-in-2023-report-warns
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Xyzah, L. C., et al. (2024). The unplanted voices. The Unplanted Voices Blog. Retrieved from https://theunplantedvoices.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-unplanted-voices.html
Porazo, H. J. G. A., et al. (2025, January 27). Branches of defiance, unyielding roots: A poetic reflection on Antonio Carpio’s "Trees." Lituscpptbaa. Retrieved February 2, 2025, from https://lituscpptbaa.blogspot.com/2025/01/branches-of-defiance-unyielding-roots_27.html
Olam, S. (2024, October 9). "Trees" by Antonio Carpio [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMEiDqtoi10
Bartolome, S. R. P. (n.d.). Accountancy activities: A comprehensive review. Studocu. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/trimex-colleges/bs-accountancy/activities-activity/53363280
Abellanosa, A. E. O., et al. (2024, September 20). Trees. 11 OLR CLR PT. https://11-olr-clr-pt.blogspot.com/2024/09/trees.html
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