A Response to The Giving Tree *

A mere stump, I waited patiently by the forest’s edge. When the man came by, I offered him a place to sit. When he was rested, he went on his way.

After much hesitation, I grew a trunk. The man was angry. “I have no place to rest,” he said. “Climb to the top of me,” I told him, “and you’ll have a view of the whole world.” So the man pounded nails into my trunk, climbed up, and saw a great distance.

Soon after, I grew a set of branches. Again the man was upset. “You’ve ruined the view,” he complained. “Build a house in my branches,” I answered, “and you’ll be safe from the whole world.” So the man bent my branches to his liking, and was kept from harm.

Without malice, I sprouted leaves. The man was beside himself. “You’re shading my house from the sun!” he shouted. “Gather my leaves together,” I said quietly, “and you’ll have a coat that is warm and green.” So the man tore off my leaves and sewed them together, and was covered in finery.

He’s satisfied now, with his crumbling coat and his viewless house, while far above his head, I send blossoms into the sky.

* A children’s book written by Shel Silverstein