the Ginkgo Tanka

Ginkgoes are beautiful trees. I love them since I was surprised by one in Aberdeen’s botanical gardens. They have perfectly elegant leaves, but the branches grow anarchically. A lot like free verse.

There are many ginkgoes in Collegetown and in the Cornell campus. There is also one in my garden at home, in Spain.

And this is dedicated to Stephanie; thank you for a beautiful day.

Along my streets,
The ginkgoes spread their branches.
They greet me, my friends,
Elegant ladies with fans.
Children throwing arms for hugs.

En estas calles mías
los ginkgos extienden sus ramas.
me saludan, estos amigos míos,
elegantes damas con abanicos,
niños que quieren abrazos.