I am a plant

I am a plant. I shed my leaves

Discreetly, new ones unfurling.

I lie dormant in darkened eves—

But to the sun, my leaves curling,

I bow my head. He is my life,

Though unwillingly; he shaped me

Straight to the stem. I cry in strife

When my loose roots cannot grow free.

I provide shade, shelter, and fruit;

This I bear and I do not ask.

I give and nurture. Insects loot

What I produce. It is my task

To consume what I am given,

And only such. Those who return

My kindness, those who are driven

And inspired—people who learn

To love, they are my light. I fold

To the light and bathe hungry stalks

In its radiance and untold

Care. I am a plant; one that talks.

I see the world turn in my place;

My permanent home. I tell tales.

No matter what tries to shake me from my place:

I stand firm, tall, and secure down lifelong trails.