"maybe a tree of some kind"

He says he doesn't

know why, but I do.

He is strong and firm,

But the roughest winds

could still knock him down.

He

is still and peaceful,

But give him the chance

and he will sing like rustling

leaves.

He provides a shelter, a shade

when life is too overwhelming

But he could take it all away

without warning.

He gives life to everything

around him, but gets just as

much in return. He is loved

and

he takes advantage in knowing

so. People try to rescue him

or preserve him because they

think he is unstable, but he has

never

seen the appeal in getting

help from others. He stands

alone, but he stands straight.

Even after falling or breaking:

he, after some time, always

comes back.

originally published in volume 8.2 of Outrageous Fortune.