Tree

I feel the breeze in my hair

Shuddering as it tickles my shoulders

I feel the bark beneath my hand

Rough, tough, unyielding

The sticky sap leaves crumbs of it on my skin

The branch underneath me will hold

Never will I fear that I am not protected by its strength

I look down and see how far I have come

Each step requiring a laborious haul 

Never will I forget what it took me to get here

I look up and see all of the branches still above me...

And I freeze.