A Speech from a Biology Student to a Maple Tree

Good morning, Half-Dead Maple Tree—
I sit by your side, shivering
In the crisp air.
Thank you, friend, for not providing shade—
It seems we both need 
All the sunlight we can get.
And, why, that's not all we have in common—
You were hit hard by the storm too
And your leaves were blown off?
Goodness, the world is ever so Cruel!—
At least you did not fall
Like so many of your weaker breatheren.
They were foolish and tried—and Failed—
To stand up, hot-headed, to an enemy
Who manages to always keep their cool under fire.
You, on the other Hand—
You bowed, resisting by not resisting, and let 
The storm blow over.
Still, it clearly did a number on you—
Your leaves are gone
And you are stretching for every ounce of warmth you can get.
Well, no Worries! Stand by Me—
Stand up with your grey branches drawing lightning along the stark blue sky
And we shall wait out the storm together.