The first line— "Never tell the children trees are numb" —immediately challenges anthropocentric beliefs . According to ecologist Peter Wohlleben in The Hidden Life of Trees , trees communicate , feel stress , and form networks akin to social communities. Azurin's poetic voice aligns with this idea, asserting that children should grow up believing in the vitality and emotional intelligence of trees . This counters the long-held myth that trees are static, unfeeling entities. In fact, the use of the phrase “melodies of green” suggests that trees have their own songs—a concept echoed by plant neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso, who asserts that plants can sense and respond to sound vibrations. In this light, trees become storytellers , whispering truths through rustling leaves and textured bark. ๐ Romance, Rebellion, and Rings of Memory ๐๐ฒ One of the most powerful stanzas mentions: "Jun loves Ester... despite the order ‘Defacing Trees is Punishable.’” At first, ...