LIGHT IS NEVER FAR BEHIND

The tree spent its early years gathering strength,
growing wider, taller,
extending its roots deeper, further,
 
a firm foundation for the years to come,
 
then a storm struck,
a branch cracked and fell to earth,
 
the next year drought hit,
the tree lost leaves,
its branches grew spindly, withered,
 
an ice storm dealt the cruelest blow,
limbs fractured,
weighed down by winter’s cruel, unforgiving power,
 
yet the tree drew healing strength through its roots,
drawing in nurturing balms,
provided by rich, generous soil,
 
people who passed the tree,
commented on its architectural wonder,
its unusual visage,
not knowing what the tree had been through,
 
but the tree knew,
 
and so,
it grew its roots further, deeper,
into its vast underground network,
finding support, strength, nourishment,
for what life might bring,
 
worried, yet ready, weary, yet hopeful,
grateful for its roots and network
that sustained it through the toughest days,
 
reminding it that light is never far behind the darkness.

Photo by Susan DeGraaf