This is a picture from my old neighborhood in Brooklyn after the thunderstorm-tornado-hellscape that happened two days ago. Lots of old, legitimately-beautiful trees got knocked over, some cars got crushed, it's not a good thing. Especially for the trees. But don't take my word for it. Thanks to the New York Times, we can answer the real burning question: What do the children think about the fallen trees? Observe:

Reuben Slater had his own tree-loss story. He is 13 and lives in Park Slope. When he walks to school, he passes a massive ash tree with a trunk that gives way to branches that form a V. When he was younger, he thought of it as the tree of life. [Emphasis added, no duh.]

The storm carved off half the V. The tree is expected to survive, but to no longer resemble its old self. That saddens Reuben. He sees a tree 'with a broken arm.'

He snatched a small branch off the ground. He said he would keep it in his room. “I’m going to name it Pablo,” he said. “I’ve always loved that name.” [Me again.]

Why, with JOURNALISM like this, it's a wonder that no one reads newspapers! Good luck with getting your ass kicked in high school, Reuben! Good luck getting taken over by Carlos Slim, New York Times!