i stand looking up 

at the 20 foot tree

and think to myself

'how will i get lights on thee?'

its to flimsy for a ladder 

to lean against

too high for my stepladder

unless i want to fall on the fence

i could have someone stand 

on top my shoulders 

but not at my age

now i am so much older

so the dilemma still stares 

me directly in the face

should i turn and walk

in total disgrace

or devise a plan

that will make me proud

and hang those lights

and shout out loud

"i did it all

all by myself

i am a man

i am not a mouse"

on second thought

maybe go inside

and forget this madness

because if i surely try

i will probably

surely die