The poem has been written in free verse. Hence,there is no rhyme scheme.

Rhyming Scheme of the Poem "On Killing a Tree"

The poem "On Killing a Tree" by Gieve Patel does not follow a specific rhyming scheme. Instead, it is written in free verse, which means that it does not adhere to a particular pattern of rhyme or meter. This allows the poet to focus more on the content and the message of the poem rather than being confined to a specific structure.

However, while the poem does not have a consistent rhyming scheme, it does contain instances of internal rhyme and slant rhyme. Internal rhyme occurs when words within the same line or phrase rhyme with each other, while slant rhyme refers to words that have similar sounds but do not perfectly rhyme.

Here are a few examples of internal and slant rhyme in the poem:

1. "It takes much time to kill a tree" - The internal rhyme between "time" and "tree" creates a sense of musicality in the line.

2. "It is a small exercise in patience" - The slant rhyme between "exercise" and "patience" creates a subtle connection between the words.

3. "it bleeds, a sticky blood, / spiking the earth" - The internal rhyme between "bleeds" and "spiking" adds emphasis to the imagery of the tree bleeding and spiking the earth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the poem "On Killing a Tree" by Gieve Patel does not follow a specific rhyming scheme. Instead, it is written in free verse, allowing the poet to focus on the content and message of the poem. However, the poem does contain instances of internal rhyme and slant rhyme, contributing to its musicality and poetic effect.