AILANTHUS

Ailanthus is the tree species colloquially known here in New York
City as the "tenement palm". The City plants thousands of
nursery-raised trees every year, largely to replace trees they
planted just a few years before. Many of these carefully
planted and cared-for species never seem to get past the
"outdoor house-plant" stage. Ailanthus, however, just sprout up
naturally, often where a tree is least wanted. Unless someone
actually cuts them down, they mature into damn fine trees.

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AILANTHUS

Please take a moment and think about the Ailanthus.
No-one plans it.
No-one plants it.
No-one waters,
Or prunes,
Or sprays it,
Or gives it plant food or weed killer or even manure.
It squeezes between tall buildings,
Through sidewalk gratings,
And cracks in concrete,
And in angles of fences where mowers can't reach it.

It survives
Unassisted, and thrives.
It stands up to road salt,
And car fumes,
And dog piss,
And the hardened indifference of big-city life.
Only let it be:
And it will sink deep roots,
And form stout branches,
And cast a shade as good as that of any planted tree.

The Ailanthus is all unwanted children
And the adults they become.
It's those who got adopted
And those who never did.
It's those who learn their origins
And those who never will.

It's the kids who glut the System
And call it Home:
In orphanages,
In nurseries,
And in foster homes,
Waiting for chance to graft them onto someone's family tree.
The Ailanthus,
Laughing at rejection,
Sings out:
"I was born a bastard,
What's your excuse?",
Then turns its leaves to the sun,
And grows.

Please take a moment and think about the Ailanthus.

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Since I first posted this piece, I have received a lot of positive feedback. This is gratifying, but it seems to me that placed here it only "preaches to the converted". I'd like it to be seen by the "outside world". If you know a publication which can give it a wider audience, would like to fill some space at no charge, and would welcome a piece that it can edit without objection from the author, please let me know.

Thanks,
Jon

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This page is maintained by Jonathan Marin
(jonmarin@interport.net)
Last modified on Jul 23, 1996