I was growing so straight —

right to the sky. 

Then something happened —

I don't know how or why. 

My back started to pull —

my front followed suit.

Something’s wrong with my trunk — 

is the problem my root? 

I'm still young. 

What will this mean? 

Look at me — 

I'm only seventeen! 

Maybe it's the water

or something in the dirt. 

Maybe it's that kid who climbs on me,

every day, 

wearing the same shirt! 

I must talk to the others 

to see what can be done —

to grow tall and straight —

right up to the sun. 

Everyone's resting now. 

I'll have to wait. 

OH! HERE COMES THAT BOY AGAIN. 

I'M NEVER 

GOING TO BE 

TALL AND STRAIGHT! 

Ouch, please be gentle!

Ugh, watch where you tread!

If only the other trees 

hadn't all stayed in bed. 

I could have 

talked to them 

before he got here. 

The sky’s turning gray —

rain must be near. 

I hope there’s a storm. 

Then he'll scurry home.

He’ll be forced, 

today at least, 

to leave me alone. 

He's probably the reason 

for this awful kink

in my spine. 

He crawls all over me —

rain or shine. 

What are you doing?

This spot isn't 

yours to reserve! 

You can't just curl up 

inside my curve! 

Don't close your eyes! 

How can you fall asleep?

Wake up! Run back home! 

I'm sure your mother's 

made you something to eat. 

Up this close —

it's a lovely shirt,

even with the holes

and smudges of dirt.

How sweet — 

he’s asleep on me. 

I’m just a crooked

little tree.

He's never done this before.

He's only played. 

We’re both staying warm

on this chilly day. 

He’s snuggled up

in my bent form. 

I'll shelter him

from the coming storm.

Maybe he's 

the reason

for this curve

in my spine. 

Maybe I belong 

to this little boy

and this little boy

is mine. 

-Julie Himmler