One Word: bamboo

I followed my big brother, not wanting to be called "baby"
Detesting the thought of being uncool and left behind
I tried to be tough, quiet, and I tried to keep up
But my two years younger legs were not quick enough
Sticky mud, teasing, grabbed my shoe and held on tight
I left my shoes amongst the bright celery green bamboo pipes
My brother got in trouble, and would never let me follow again.