Four Skinny Trees
...ine.” (74) She takes comfort with the trees because they remind her of herself, both physically and spiritually. Physically she is skinny and feels that she has much in common with the trees, and spiritually she is just as stubborn as them, she won’t go away, she has a mind of her own. The trees are there and strong because of their roots. It is these roots that Cordero looks at when she has her doubts about things or is questioning her dreams. The tree is strong because it relies on its roots for strength and nourishment much like Cordero must rely on her family for support and her parents work to provide nourishment for the family. It is the metaphor of the roost comparing those of a tree to those of Corderos family. “This is how they keep.” (74) sums up perfectly the connection to the trees to Corderos family she must rely on her family because without them things would be very hard and she might not have even made it to this point. Cordero would chant "Keep, keep, keep trees say when I sleep. They teach." (75) This lullaby is like a prayer for God to make her strong. The trees “with their arms around the other.” (75) Shows how the trees represent not just Cordero but everyone else. It represents community. A sharing, with one another. Cordero will not get far in life if she cuts her roots. She sees the similarities with herself and the trees. Caring for one another is another symbol the trees represent. Cordero knows that when she is gone from Mango street the trees will still be there growing strong “despite concrete” (75) that tries to inhibit its growth. ...