(had image of cypress knee in head before clicking)
Yep, really does look like bended knee! Is the tree on a stream bank being undercut?
I find tree roots most interesting subjects, too. I will have to select a few cypress knees from my trip to Southern Illinois swampland* and post. * I bet you didn't know that there are swamps in S. Illinois - yep, quite biodiverse too - one of 17 "important wetlands" recognized by an international wetlands foundation. Cache River / Cypress Creek state and national wildife preserves.