Believe it (or not)

"Please WATER this tree. THANK YOU"

"Adopt a Tree"

Believe it or not, England is facing a massive drought. I know, it's hard to imagine but it's all very serious.

The situation is so grave that councils in the East End of London have pulled the alarm and are asking their taxpayers to water the quite thirsty looking trees in the streets. Yes, in these dark times of recession, where public services are being slashed, every little helps.

This little card pinned on a tree is quite moving though. Who is going to take care of this feeble sapling? Has the neighbourhood implemented a kind of rota to water it everyday? What if someone forgets?
What will happen to it?

I can't help but think of his adopted cousin, in the very same area, chopped down before even reaching its teenage years. A victim of past troubled times probably. "History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce*."

*K.M.