This Is Where I Have Been

I am a tree
Surfaces rough and uneven
Branches going in uncomfortable directions.
Come, they said, come and play.
But first, you must be frictionless.
So I bonsai-bound my branches
And wrapped myself in plastic
smiles
And came and played.
It was lovely.
They were nice, and friendly, and encouraging
And I liked
being nice, and friendly, and encouraging
back.
( They were smooth as turned dowels... )