The poem begins with a [[Ancient near eastern cosmology|cosmogonic]] prologue describing the copulation between Heaven ([[Anu|An]]) and Earth ([[Ki (goddess)|Ki]]). Earth gives birth to vegetation, and the for the purpose of the poem, this prominently includes Tree and Reed. Though they are first in harmony, a disputation begins between the two as they enter into a shrine. Reed, who fails to respect the proper order of things, steps in front of Tree, causing the latter to be infuriated. The prologue covers the first 49 lines, after which the disputation proceeds for another two hundred lines. It is divided into four speeches: Tree speaking (lines 50–91), Reed speaking (96–137), Tree speaking again (144–191), Reed speaking again (197–228). The adjudication scene (230–254) begins with Tree invoking the judgement of [[Shulgi]] (a king), who declares that Tree has prevailed over Reed. The poem also mentions the king [[Puzrish-Dagan]], suggesting its composition during his time.{{Sfn|Jimenez|2017|p=20–21}}{{Sfn|Mittermayer|2023|p=183}}
