Stronger grew the tree
To withstand As uncaring voices threatened its life
With axes of words and deeds

For when the tree viewed the lives
Reliant on its fruitfulness
It shouted to the forces that devised:

“I will not die! I must not die!
No time have I to play with words
I live not in a playfield
I’ll have to nurture my strength to stand
I must defend with my strength
I must not fall.
I will not fall!
I will not fail!