mourning ash (haibun)

(c)Clr’14 Rougemont, Qc.

In spring I was delighted to see so many lilac trees lined along the streets in front of commercial areas.   I wonder if that is an arrangement with businesses. Whatever the deal, it is simply breathtaking when they are blossoming at the same time.

Our city has ash trees lined on the side of streets and all along the boulevard in front of my home.  These are the trees that shade the backyard of my son’s home as well,  and I, along with his German Shepherd and Golden,  like to cool off in their shade.

This year will not be one of those times, however.  The ash trees in southern parts of Québec, Montreal and Ottawa  are being attacked by Emerald Ash Borers from Asia.  They were first spotted in Detroit in 2002 and quickly crossed the border to Windsor, Ontario. Scientists say they have been around probably since 1990.

What is unfortunate about this situation is the fact that too many cities plant the same type of tree …rows and rows rather than interspersing among a variety. Now with these trees all dying, we will be left with emptiness.

My son and I walked in a nearby park last Sunday and he showed me the holes in the bark of one ash tree. That`s where the larvae breed under the bark and suck all the life out of these beautiful ash trees.

rows of ash trees
leaves spreading sparingly
one last summer

one last summer
cycle ends before its time
mournng ash

© Tournesol ’16-07-09

Daily Moments July 9  2016 mourning ash  Haibun