As I was enveloped by a shadow of my emptiness,
how could this day be so full of light and promise?
The morning’s sun warmed the air with promises
of better times ahead, and beckoned to me
with the same amiable seduction it was using
to encourage Spring out of hibernation.
An impending thaw presented the potential for renewal,
not necessarily to one’s original state ... just to
a better one, more complete for having had the experiences.
I was drawn outdoors to a small tree at the edge of the woods,
apparently in as much need of nourishment as I.
I stood back and studied its boughs bent low from
the burden of neglect.
It had taken a parade of years to arrive at its present state.
Each year more strength was drained from its trunk as it
stoically supported the demands new growth placed on it.
It appeared to be struggling amidst a tangled web of branches,
unable to envision a future in the sky.
The grass beneath it was also affected by the expressionless
shadows of the woody encroachment, and had all but
given up any attempt to propagate.
It had been easy to bow down under pressure, to deflect
one’s own apprehensions by attending to
others, and to ignore
one’s own needs for the needs of others.
I was compelled to look beyond this damage sustained to what could be.
It became now “my tree” because of our mutual need
for nurturing and restoration.
It was time for us both to be returned to our original vitality.
With thoughtful observation, I could discern a trend to each
branch’s advancement.
I would be able to comprehend the pattern to its growth and
establish where each strength and weakness lay.
Envisioning a simpler framework would offer my tree
the opportunity to rise up straight and proud again.
The arrival at an impasse usually happens when no one is looking.
But, if we are lucky enough to heed the signs, we might get
a second chance before the point of no return is reached.
Not by a total removal of the past, but through an understanding
of a mutual need to work together, could we both flourish once again.
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