there is a tree
growing out of my eye
which no one can see
it feeds on my thoughts
and extends each day
a little farther into the world
every second I feel the roots
it has wrapped
around my mind
my neck strains
under the weight
my shoulders ache
but I can’t complain
I planted it myself
I have even named it
there is a tree growing
out of my eye and
it will not stop
until one of us
is cut down
pulped and turned into paper.
_____________________
Nathaniel Lachenmeyer is an award-winning author of books for children and adults. His first book, The Outsider, which takes as its subject his late father's struggles with schizophrenia and homelessness, was published by Broadway Books. His most recent book, an all-ages graphic novel called The Singing Rock & Other Brand-New Fairy Tales, was published by First Second/Macmillan. Nathaniel lives outside Atlanta with his family.