The line is a beautiful, evocative way to describe the cherry tree in full bloom. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
* "Loveliest of trees": This establishes the cherry tree as the most beautiful among all trees.
* "The cherry now": This emphasizes that the cherry tree is at its most beautiful in the present moment, likely during spring when it blossoms.
The line, combined with the rest of the poem, conveys a feeling of both admiration and fleeting beauty. The cherry blossoms are exquisite and ephemeral, symbolizing the passage of time and the beauty of the natural world.
The phrase is often used to express a sense of awe and wonder at the natural beauty around us, particularly in spring.
