Birches bend and shed their bark, but should they bend for me?

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3zu,

Fair criticism, and thank you for reading. I appreciate it.

The play on two forms of the word "bend" is crucial to the poem. I can bend my body but not bend to the will of somebody else - two unique meanings.

I can play with the first stanza. Good suggestions. I considered beyond the how and into the why. The shedding is an exfoliation process. They do it to adapt and thrive. Nonetheless, I agree with your feedback.

Thanks again.