And the Seasons, They Go Round and Round

By Caitlin Hawke

A 100-year Old Poem Says It All

There's something about a tree that makes me want to believe.  Here's a tale of three.

First, I will admit to you that I doubted.  How dare I doubt.  And yet I did.  But the truth is some things are bigger than us.  Bigger than an incredible act of senselessness.  Bigger than just one person wielding an axe, hopped up on some delusion that a tree should be felled. For what reason, we shall probably never know.

But that tree, as you may have noticed, defies expectation.  The magical gingko of West End Avenue thirsts and seems to slake its thirst, adequately to push forth beautiful shoots and fan-shaped leaves.  It's hard to capture since the canapy is wan.  And beneath the scar of the axe-job sprout errant green.  It was a healthy tree before the deed, and it refuses to succomb.

May robins find purchase to nest in her hair.

Trees by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Above: The vandalized gingko tree on the east side of W. End Ave. between 102nd and 103rd St. in May.

And to add compliment to victory, a big thank you goes to NYC Parks for the two new plane trees on the north side of W. 102nd Street just around the corner from the feisty gingko.

Go have a look.  Keeping it modern, the trees are tagged with a QR code for those who wish to know more.  (h/t to Terence Hanrahan for the photo below).

Just when you were ready for some shade, Bloomingdale, we got it!

So, robins, come and get 'em.  These are your next "No-fee studios, w/ EIK, hrdwd floors and vu."  I trust it is not a problem that it's a walk-up?

Behold! Our new plane trees on W. 102nd between W. End and Broadway.