“Last Limb”

Location: Steptoe, Washington (2021)

Afflicted by disease, a cottonwood in the middle of the rolling farmland of the Palouse is nearing the end of its life.

This tree is a living icon. It’s the same tree in my photograph, “Tree of Life”. And it has appeared in countless other photographers’ portfolios. I think it’s obvious to see why.

The double trunk spreads apart like identical twins searching for their own identity – identical to the untrained eye but expressing individual uniqueness. One side is clearly famished.

Visiting this tree felt like a pilgrimage. It had to be seen up close. And like any pilgrimage, a pilgrim is never alone. Two other cars were parked nearby. They like me, had to travel on a lonely dusty road that falsely gave me the impression I would be the only visitor. But this tree is an icon. It might not be around next season.