Well, it depends on what you're using to poke them with. If you're using a twig, then you may want to have some kind of escape route to a hiding place handy, but if you're poking them with the enitre tree, they'll be the one running!
Another way to tick them off: Play with the lightswitch in the room they're in (works best at night), or do other simple sound things such as making a 'pop' noise with your mouth, clicking a pen, or tappping the table in a slow beat with the stick you used to poke them all day with!
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I was sad when I found that she left
But then I found
That I could speak to her,
In a way
And sadness turned to comfort
We all go there