The ancient tree looked down obstinately at the fresh young vine as it was beginning to make its way up the tree's weathered bark.

"Why should I let you live?" asked the old tree.

"I am older than you are, and I know where you came from," replied the vine.

"I am the dream that you cannot quite remember, the first song that you sing in the morning. I am the cord that binds the rings of your life."

The ancient tree looked down obstinately at the fresh young vine, as it was beginning to make its way up the tree's weathered bark.

"Why should I let you live?" asked the old tree.

"I know why the jaguar looks at it's feet," replied the vine.