The Oak by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

 Live thy Life,
Young and old,
Like yon oak,
Bright in spring,
Living gold;

Summer-rich
Then; and then
Autumn-changed
Soberer-hued
Gold again.

All his leaves
Fall’n at length,
Look, he stands,
Trunk and bough
Naked strength.

 

Tennyson strikingly presents the Oak tree as a metaphor for human life.
In spring season  the oak becomes golden when young rays of the sun touches it. Similarly, a young human is charming , energetic as well as tender with   lots of energy.  The seasonal changes reflect in the oak. In summer season the trees in general will be rich in fruits and flowers.

This stage of the oak symbolically signifies the middle age of human. When autumn comes the tree grows older and starts dropping its leaves . All the fairness of the flowers gradually disappear.  the oak looks like sober and dry. Similarly an old human starts losing their vitality and vibrance . But he is the strongest because of the experience, wisdom, and knowledge similar to the the strong tree time and experience made it firm and strong.