Step 1. When the treehouse haunts you more than you can bear, gather your courage and tools.

Step 2. Be prepared for wind. If boughs creak and groan, you might imagine it's the tree crying out: What's become of the laughter that mingled with the squawks of my squabs and chitter of my squirrels?

Step 3. Starting at the top, dismantle the roof. Toss the boards to the ground. (The tree may try to hold on to a few. You can free them later as you climb down.)

Step 4. Pound loose the sides. I took this wood into my bosom, protected and accepted it as my own.

Step 5. Remove the flooring. I felt the pulse of small footsteps on these planks. Why do you take them from me now?

Step 6. Unbolt the braces. You chose me because my trunk is thick, and my roots deep. What have I done to deserve this loss?

Step 7. Dispose of the lumber in a bonfire. May the flames consume me as well.