By Linda Wiggen Kraft, Green & Growing Editor
In January 1856, Thoreau watched as a tree was cut down. He stated: “I have attended the felling and, so to speak, the funeral of this old citizen of the town…I who commonly do not attend funerals”. He went on: “I was the chief if not the only mourner there. I have taken the measure of his grandeur; have spoken a few words of eulogy as his grave…but there were only chopper and the passers-by to hear me.” The tree was in Concord and was cut down for something new like a roadway. He continued, “another link that bound us to the past is broken”.
There is a favorite tree in my backyard that will be cut down soon. The tree may be 100 years old. This year my house turns 100, and perhaps this tree was planted when the new owners moved it. As I think of this tree no longer being part of my daily life, I am sad. I see this tree every day from inside the kitchen or outside on my way to the back garden.
It is a beautiful native persimmon tree. Its bark is deeply etched and its branches artistically bent. Most years there have been gallons of sweet persimmons eaten by family, friends and wild creatures. There have been many seedlings from this tree, some are now trees growing in a nearby school’s grounds delighting children and the opossum who climbs for the persimmon fruit.
Unfortunately, the tree in my backyard has been declining. Last year a big branch and many smaller ones died. In the last couple of years only about ten persimmons have fallen. The 100 year-old concrete steps and walkway next to the tree are now crumbling and for safety reasons need to be replaced. In so doing the tree will have to be cut down.
In my sadness, I am in the planning stage of a ritual of remembering, some might say a funeral, for this very special tree in my backyard. I’m not sure exactly what will be done. Some dear friends who know this tree will be invited before the last day. I may save some of the wood. It will be sad to only have memories, but the sweetness of those memories will live on.
Linda Wiggen Kraft is a landscape designer of holistic/organic gardens. She is an artist and creativity workshop leader. Her ceramic jewelry and pottery are available online and at www.gardendistrictstl.com. Find out more, subscribe to her blog and Instagram at www.creativityforthesoul.com Call her at 314 504-4266.