The tree
So large
I was afraid
To climb
To slip
To fall

First time
First branch
They race ahead
Calling to me
C'mon
It's fun
Hurry up
I'm scared
So scared

The bark
Rough beneath my
Hand
Courage?
Or stupidity?
I leap
I'm in the tree

S is by my side
I stumble
S l i p p i n g
She grabs me
Safety

Next time
I stay low
Too tall
Too high
No way
Crawling along
The edge

The water
At my feet
Minnows
I reach
I slip
S P L A S H
oops

Next time
I try higher
I try harder
I climb
They are so
At ease
In the tree
I grip each branch
Stiff as the tree

Later
I kneel
A game,
And I must hold still
Next one
I can move
Except...
I'm stuck
oops

Soon
I'm a monkey
Flying through the
Branches
Ease
I never slip
No more fear
I've conquered the tree

Wait!
A snake
Cotton mouth?
Water moccasin?
Both are bad
Go up high
Jump on the branches
Shout
Vibrations
It goes away
I can breath now

One branch
Straight up
I try
S cheers me on
I slip
All good
Keep going
Conquer the tree
Made it

Now to go down
Too far
Too steep
Too afraid
Help
S comes
She slips
And F
         A
          L
           L
            S

No!
I jump
Stupid
I somehow
Land
And run to her
She's ok
She just needs to rest

The tree
That I've conquered
Or
Did I conquer my fears?