The Shedding Tree

"The Shedding Tree"

There is a forest near my home

Where through the ages trees have grown.

Tall and mighty, towards the sky

these trees have grown to please the eye.

But though they're tall and heaven bound

their roots are shallow in the ground.

They grow too quickly to give thought

to the parts that eyes see not.

For many years the trees stand tall

but just one storm can cause their fall.

And when they finally hit the ground

they split and crack with thundering sound.

And so their growth is all for naught

and all their wood is left to rot.

Now here we learn a lesson true:

that looks and status will not do.

Though fame and glory we adore

to grow up strong we need much more.

Another tree stands near my home

out in a field, it's all alone.

It is not pleasing to the eye

it's wind-worn, crooked, all awry.

But there it stands, still in its prime

this tree has stood the test of time.

While other's grew up tall and fair

this tree grew with much more care.

It knew that storms would come its way

and so it readied for that day.

When autumn came it shed its leaves

and saved its strength for greater need.

Though unattractive, cold, and bare

this tree shed its worldly care.

It grew deep roots that none could see

and through the storms they held that tree.

And when the spring had come again

it bloomed once more with pink and red.

So when it comes to you and me

often we're not much to see.

But life is not about the fruits,

more important are the roots.

Be the best that you can be

by growing like the shedding tree.

Love your little, crooked arm,

your messed up hair, your lack of charm.

You don't have to please the rest

you just have to be your best.

Grow up honest, strong, and true

but most important, just be you.