Artist name: Donna Esposito
Description: Poem. I was inspired to write this poem about Ginkgo trees (a common street and park tree in Schenectady) after learning they were one of the hibakujumoku (Survivor Trees) after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Judge #10 says:
A little spelling error on the title initially threw me , but otherwise, this is a strong piece expressing the ginkgo as a symbol of healing, peace, resilience and more.
Beautiful line:
“As when the golden fans coordinate their fall to rest
To be reborn for a new spring.”
The poem’s inspiration, as stated in the description (ginkgoes as survivors of Hiroshima), gives added weight to the words.