What does the poem, 'Under the Oak Tree' by D. H. Lawrence mean?

[libby l]

Lawrence is measuring his life by the observation of the oak tree which grows strong and proud. It seems a bird is playing in the branches of the oak, unaware of the history or power of such an old tree. Lawrence is cursed by his dark thoughts and his past history measured by the age of the tree.

Rather than see the beauty of nature Lawrence sees the darkness, feels fear in the face of such mysteries as the stars and is humbled by the oak tree. The birds know how to just enjoy but Lawrence feels things too keenly. I wouldn't be surprised if he was perhaps even thinking of hanging himself from the tree. It appears he is very depressed and in pain.


OR

The voice of the poem is Mother Nature and man is the one "twittering to and fro Beneath the oak".
Perhaps Lawrence is prophetic and foretold of the new twitter craze? ( wink )