The forest scribbles out the answers I don't listen, I don't care I break my shell in all directions -From the soil to the air I bore, I'm born, I'm free, I'm here My soul—my core It smiles -No fear I wonder if I'm okay I struggle with each new day I'm younger than all my peers But I'm alive My father lives atop the mountain My mother sleeps beside the lake My brothers and sisters all surround me We all sway together in the breeze I'm tall, I'm scrawny, I strain to be heard But I'm strong, and I follow my faith -No fear I wander—ascend for years I stretch my roots into the earth Now I tower above my peers I'm alive I've grown into the eyes of the forest I am proud, I look down upon my peers A stranger with an ax now stands before us -I fall