Beyond the Playground

Far beyond the playground
Stood a group of trees.
Together,
They kept each other company.
Similar they looked
With their crisp, green leaves
In all of their uniformity.
Yes, all trees looked the same
Except for one, tall tree.
Alone it was in that vast, green field,
Far from the clan
And bare of leaves.
This made it different
From the other trees.

Far beyond the playground
Stood a little girl.
Alone she was in that big, green field,
Away from the children
Sliding, climbing, and laughing
In the playground.
For she was quiet and calm.
This made her different
From the other boys and girls.

Far beyond the playground,
The girl longed for a friend.
So she walked near and far
In search for a friend.
She paced with salty tears
Streaming down her cheeks
Until she met a tall tree
That was bare of leaves
And lacking companions
To call its own.
With much joy she hugged the tree,
Feeling its rough, rigid surface
Softening in her gentle grasp.
Now once each and every day,
The girl and tree
Keep each other company.