Death of A Tree | Benjamin Swett
Briefly

The article reflects on the significance of a Callery pear tree in Manhattan, capturing its beauty across seasons through photography. Initially discovered during a spring walk, the tree led to a signature photography series for the author, who had left a job at the Parks Department to pursue freelance work. The tree became a communal focal point, with friends sharing stories and images before it was unexpectedly cut down in 2008, highlighting themes of loss and connection to nature in urban environments.
In the late afternoon sun, the beautiful glow of the Callery pear's rounded crown, framed by brick buildings, captivated me during my first sighting.
The Callery pear tree became a symbol of connection for me, as friends shared their angles and observations, turning it into a part of our lives.
Read at The New York Review of Books
[
|
]