Said the tree to the busy monkey,

“I was wondering-
why do you always come and hang out with me?

I don’t go anywhere- or run, or leap, or fly-
I only sway sometimes in the wind that comes by.”

The monkey responded,

“You don’t think at all about it, but…

you feed me each day,
and you cradle me each night.

You cool me from the sun,
and you cover me from the rain.

You let me swing in your limbs,
and floss with your twigs.

You let me climb to your crown so I can see out over the jungle.
And you let me hide in your leaves when the hyenas hunt for dinner.

And you never leave or hide from me,
so I always know where you are,
and I know I can always find you,
and when I am with you,
I know I am at home.

You keep me sheltered,
and entertained,
and fed,
and safe.

You always give me life.”

Then the monkey hugged the tree’s trunk
as it climbed to its favorite perch.

And the tree smiled, stood an extra foot taller, and flowered.