Today, I got a surprise phone call from London Ontario's Urban Forester, Ivan Listar:
He told me that my name and number had been passed on: "I don't know why I'm calling; how can I help you?"
I asked him if he had read Saturday's paper. He had not. of course he hadn't...
I quickly explained about the poet tree and the ongoing dispute, and sent him the link to the Free Press piece (LFP - Nov 21, 2014). I told him that I would never intentionally injure a tree, and that I had planted three quarters of a million trees when I was in my early twenties.
And then I went for it: "I am hoping that the city will consider making an exception to the Boulevard Tree Protection bylaw which stipulates, "no person shall attach any object or thing to a tree upon a boulevard without written permission
from the General Manager".
Ivan seemed amused - he liked Spike Milligan's A Silly Poem - and I think he understood my intentions. He promised to speak to some of his City Hall peeps. I hope that the city can reach a quick decision (within 3 months). I want the Poet Tree to continue to spread literary love in its current incarnation.
Because I am a Farcebook addict, I had to share the poet tree saga with my friends.
Are you barking with laughter? I love my punny friends. xoxox
I will post anew when I find out the city's decision.
Oh and before I sign off, I should mention that the ubertalented Gord Harrison, seen below, has offered to help me with a solution if the city does not.
Gord calls this shot "at one with the tree". :-)
He thought that the poetry frame could go on a post:
Of course I won't be able to call it my POET TREE any longer, because it will be on a damn post. So I will call it PoPo (short for poetry post, natch).
I am still hoping that the city comes to its senses and grants me a reprieve / exception. PoPo, while entertaining, doesn't do it for me.
Other solutions, most of which strike me as ridiculous:
- a metal stand that wraps around the tree, embracing it in true tree-hugger style
- nylon bands that ratchet tightly and attach the frame to the tree
- a leather belt from the Goodwill that cinches the frame to the tree's waist
- that I hold court on the sidewalk and spout poetry to the masses (seriously considering this one, obviously)
- that I share the poetry in a blog
- that I hang the frame from a branch in the tree
- and my absolute favourite: that I nail it to the fence of my favourite neighbour
Ha ha hahahhah!
Green froth would spew from my nabe's mouth and he would eventually combust if I nailed my poetry to his fence.
I should do it.
Addendum
I need to write a part three because the Poet Tree is back up! YaY! Look for that on May 29th, 2015
I should do it.
***
Addendum
I need to write a part three because the Poet Tree is back up! YaY! Look for that on May 29th, 2015
Optional Musical pairing: a fine ditty by Jamiroquai
Or if you don't like Jamiroquai and his giant hats, try some Jacksoul:
Part one, see here: http://quittyprickly.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-poet-tree.html
