For Richard- Ecuador

He is a beautiful tree, standing tall and providing shade for everyone who asks of it. He leans his long, slender braches forth to offer help to the weary and heavy laden. He stands tall, yet he goes unnoticed by all, even those who use him for their own manipulation. He does not bend when people climb over him, nor does he snap when the wind pushes with all her might. Though these things do not hinder him, he is not invincible. He is vulnerable to all the sharp little things. To the nails thrust into him, and the teeth that take away chunks of his beautiful soul. He is vulnerable to every little insect that makes their home inside his healthy bark. Though he has no choice, he provides for them still, for he knows what it is like to be small, even though he is now large.