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A Single Tree

 

Dedicated to the memory of poet and naturalist W.S. Merwin (1927-2019).

 

Did you know that a single tree can produce up to 2.6 × 10² pounds of oxygen each year? Trees, and all green plants take in carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen. In other words, plants and animals have a symbiotic relationship. You can't have one without the other. If you want to go a long way to solving the world's pollution problems the answer starts here: Plant MORE trees!

 

This is a vision that was embraced by one of my favourite American poets. When William Stanley Merwin died in Hawaii on March 15, 2019 he left behind more than just a legacy of powerful poetry and a commitment to the anti-war movement. He left behind a growing forest.

 

Listen to him read this great poem, "Even Though the Whole World is Burning".

www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8FjapGvsAM

 

So when Merwin retired from teaching he moved to Hawaii, bought a deforested reserve and began to plant several trees every single day for the rest of his life. He now has a forest. I heartily recommend this documentary. I bought it several years ago and have watched it many times. vimeo.com/ondemand/merwinfilm

 

www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/w-s-merwin

 

onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/inspirational-quotes-abo...

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Uploaded on November 20, 2020
Taken on November 8, 2020