The Tree Saver or a Plea for the Poui

I like how Shani Mootoo condenses history in a moment — here an exchange about not cutting down a tree which symbolizes nothing more than itself.

[...]

My father's argument
is not for sound landscaping
but a simple plea for a useless tree

Or is it something more
from the perennial opponent
of capital punishment?

           Remember that season, years back when it flowered,
           and was magnificent?

[...]

Now the damn thing stands,
none the wiser,
and surely won't flower next year.

"Poui's Hero" from The Predicament of Or.

And so for day 2197
18.12.2012