I sat underneath the great shaggy willow tree and read. I heard someone call my name so I closed my book, stood up and ran out. As I ran through the drooping leaves I took a deep breath in and felt them brush against my face. It felt so nice and soft as if I had stuck my head inside a cloud. Once I was out of the tree's shelter, I stood far enough away so that I could see the top of the tree.  I turned around to face it. The sun shined through its branches and it looked like it was glowing. I ran back to my house and I could see the red roof with the sun reflecting off of it.

That night I came back outside and stood beneath the slender willow. I brushed away the pieces of bark that had chipped off of it and then laid down underneath the tree where I could just vaguely see the stars. From my view, they were just dim dots in the sky. Every time I  heard a noise that scared me, I would scootch a little closer to it. I finally fell asleep nearly hugging the willow.

I woke up early the next morning to the tune of the birds singing, “Dum de do, dum de do.” I took a deep breath in and smelled the sweet outdoor air. The sun shone brightly in my eyes. It was another beautiful summer day. The wind blew and the ancient weeping willow swayed back and forth. I ran out of its enclosure and twirled in happiness. I stood back and took a good look at the solitary and gnarled willow tree. You’ll always be my willow tree.