but a little cliché. As always, I like the theme and it was held together very well from beginning to end. Your language is never a problem, but I see a place where you could use a different word.
[they break or bow or bend]. I think that if you use [and] rather than the second [or] it would sound a bit better. Always rough on your rhythm, but I think maybe that is part of your charm. ~ Gee.

This poem has a very effective allegory and is written with a generally sound rhythm. The pity is that where that rhythm falls short is in the very first line. It needs an extra beat. My first thought was, both tall and straight but you would not want the repeat on the first line of the second verse. How about, Some trees grow tall and pencil straight? Second verse, I would use a comma after hollow. It is not necessary gramatically but the forced pause separates the two thoughts. Now about that fourth line, too many beats. How about using a contraction, their fate’s at the saw mill. Having established six beats ending the first two verses, it appears the third is overdressed. No knots from an old limb. Similar problem in next verse, maybe, when dressed and left to view. The last line will work with a double beat at it’s start if you simply drop the before setting. You could make it even tidier if you allow ere to replace before.