(Author’s backyard)
Our maple leaves are withered
drifting to the ground
without flames of fire
preceding their fall.
Last June I noticed
the shriveled leaves –
disturbing in summer
when trees leaf out
in emerald splendor.
Picking up leaf after leaf
it was hard to find
one without black spots
or dead brown skin.
All summer I mourned…
Witnessing the effects of
prolonged drought
did not prepare me for
what would come.
Dead leaves cluster together
under each thirst driven tree.
The flaming mountains
have turned to dust and ash.
Powerless to change
environmental patterns
created by human indifference
fuels ongoing rage and personal grief.
Working notes:
Returning from Abiquiu, New Mexico in June I noticed immediately that Maine maples were in trouble. All summer I have kept an uneasy eye on the bare branches of the crowns of these trees, already under assault from herbicides and continued drought conditions both of which have been escalating for years.
In 2017 I learned from scientific minded folks, what was already patently obvious – that drought had become a problem in the state of Maine. Because maples failed to leaf out properly this year and have suffered root loss many maples will eventually die.
I also discovered that that in addition to climate change, maples, already vulnerable, are being afflicted by three additional diseases that create fungal leaf spotting – Tar spot, Anthranose, and Phyllostica.
“Experts” tell us that as far as the fate of the trees go, we shall just have to wait and see.
Not much comfort for a Tree Woman who also happens to be me.
