"Now, Bandershanks." Aunt Vic put her arm around me and drew me up close. "Tonight you're gonna be the little walking Christmas tree and say a recitation too!"
"Me?"
"Sure. All the older children will be in the part Mister Shepherd's putting on. So we saved the walking tree bit just for you."
"What does a walking tree do?"
'Ill tell you that in a minute. Your mama is gonna get you here early tonight, and you bring one of your papa's old, worn-out felt hats with you. Before the program starts, we'll wrap your tree costume around you. Then, when the time comes—I'll tell you when—you'll step out front and recite your piece."
"My piece?"
"Right! A little recitation all your own! Now don't mention what you're gonna say to anybody. It'll be a big surprise!"
She leaned closer and whispered a short rhyme to me. "Can you remember that?"
"I don't know."
"Oh, sure you can. Whisper it back to me."