When Great Trees Fall

The entire poem is built around

The entire poem is built around comparing the death of great people to the falling of great trees in a forest. Just as a falling tree affects all surr

The poem follows no regular rhyme

The poem follows no regular rhyme scheme or meter, allowing thoughts and emotions to flow naturally like grief itself - unpredictable and irregular.

The poem moves through distinct phases

The poem moves through distinct phases: initial shock and chaos, deep grief and reduction to 'caves', and finally healing with the affirmation 'We can

Angelou uses vivid images like 'dark

Angelou uses vivid images like 'dark, cold caves' for despair and 'soothing electric vibration' for healing, engaging multiple senses to create emotio

The phrase 'When great trees fall'

The phrase 'When great trees fall' and 'They existed. They existed.' are repeated for emphasis and rhythm.