The Tree in North Chagrin

(for Samiam)

You stand tall
Against the wind,
The storm,
The water sucking at your roots,
Trying to pull you down.

Seasons come and go
Bringing temporary transformations
Around you...and even within.
You bend a little when fierce winds
Beat against your branches,
Peeling back your bark,
and dark days dim your vibrant colors.

But your beauty is undiminished;
It's different, not so obvious;
Some may wonder where it went, but
It is still there
At your core. In your heart.
It is your soul,
And it will prevail.

You will stand tall.