Napoleon is said to have ordered trees planted along French roads so future soldiers would march in their shade.
Whether or not the story is true, the best version ends when someone objects that the trees won't mature for at least a century, whereupon Napoleon replies, "Well then, you better get started"
Love the metaphor of the chestnut striving without regard for the troubled environment surrounding it.
In northeast CT, I am 5 years into planting chestnut hybrids on our few dozen acres of woodland. Some have failed. Deer have knocked over others. I do have a solid half dozen showing promise and surprising strength. As you indicate, I will not see them become a canopy but I sure hope my grandsons will.
Writer Richard Powers wrote my favorite book to date; Overstory, patching together the trees in our life with the understanding that they are a part of our life. It is no coincidence that Powers begins the first chapter with the important Chestnut tree. For me, trees define me. Having always lived among trees, insisting on being near them. Meditating under them, many in my life time, takes me back to a favorite place of nature in my life; one I find everywhere I have lived. I will one day have my ashes spread as compost for one of them. You have described them perfectly and I commend you for it, for reminding us that they do not ask for love, but they need it, starting with the Chestnut.
You are such a wonderful and thought-provoking writer; thank you.
Napoleon is said to have ordered trees planted along French roads so future soldiers would march in their shade.
Whether or not the story is true, the best version ends when someone objects that the trees won't mature for at least a century, whereupon Napoleon replies, "Well then, you better get started"
Brilliant episode! Very touching and thought provoking!
Love the metaphor of the chestnut striving without regard for the troubled environment surrounding it.
In northeast CT, I am 5 years into planting chestnut hybrids on our few dozen acres of woodland. Some have failed. Deer have knocked over others. I do have a solid half dozen showing promise and surprising strength. As you indicate, I will not see them become a canopy but I sure hope my grandsons will.
Beautiful writing! Sadly, it was humans who brought the blight in from Japan/China.
Everyone should read this.
Writer Richard Powers wrote my favorite book to date; Overstory, patching together the trees in our life with the understanding that they are a part of our life. It is no coincidence that Powers begins the first chapter with the important Chestnut tree. For me, trees define me. Having always lived among trees, insisting on being near them. Meditating under them, many in my life time, takes me back to a favorite place of nature in my life; one I find everywhere I have lived. I will one day have my ashes spread as compost for one of them. You have described them perfectly and I commend you for it, for reminding us that they do not ask for love, but they need it, starting with the Chestnut.
Even for you, Shanley, this is a particularly powerful essay. Thanks.
And, whether you invented it or not, please keep using the phrase “blight politics.” Frequently.
Thank you
Good analogy. Quite a long read…