RESIGNATION

When the tree is young,
Its bright green leaves,
Bursting forth boldly,
Proclaim intent to grow
With stunning focus,
Not to be challenged by
The sky’s failure to rain,
The sun’s refusal to shine,
The soil’s lack of content,
Nor the air’s stagnant heat.

Now it grows older,

Its branches turn
Careful in season,
Producing darker fruit
With timidity,
While often challenged by
The damaging winds,
The violent storms,
The incessant assault
On its viability.

In later winter

The tree resolves
To stand tall and proud,
Its calloused bark rigid
With hollow furrows
That mark its challenges
With time and attack,
With needful neglect,
With resignation
And withered, fading fruit.