Tree of My Life

The years have grown me

Strong and steady

I have been beaten and weathered

By storms

Attacks

From inside and out

But every notch

Every loss

Every cut

Has built the character that stands as me today

Unique

Imperfect

Proud

I have not flourished on my own

Others have danced this dance

Some blown in on the wind

Resting on my limbs

Here today, gone tomorrow

Some taking more from me

Than they left

Some that have grown with me

Spread out their arms

Branches far reaching

Always there

Sometime in bloom

Sometimes dormant

But always decorating my memory

The eclectic artwork that is me

But my strength

My ability to stand true and tall

And those who have rooted me

Who as I grow taller

More majestic

Grow with me

Keep me planted

Intertwining their strength

Their wisdom

Their love

With the fullness of me

Without them

I would surely fall

With them

I can face the wind

That keeps me growing

To touch the sky

And decorate the world