ROOTED

Though the wilder winds within
have gentled in the years
and the bitter bile has dried
I still endure.

Though the tender tissues
no longer tingle at the slightest touch
and my rind is bleached bone-white
I am rooted still.

My roots are deep
tight tangled in the mothering earth
and the still rising sap succours and swells
fast flourishing foliage
brave against the world’s weathers.

Though my fierce face is raised
to resist the shocks of storms,
I have learned to bend beside the wind
but I will not break.

--------------------------------------------

I saw this tree against the skyline atop the sand dunes on the north-west cost of Jersey [Channel Islands, UK]. The tree was growing almost horizontally because of the strength of the prevailing winds - the windward side sand-blasted bare of bark and leaves, but the leeward side with full luxuriant foliage. A tree to live up to, methinks.