Branches

I’ve felt the deep blue sadness

the sorrow and loss

I’ve burned with the red fires of anger

because of betrayal and deception

and been on the precipice of depression

a black wasteland of void before me

these trials grew deep roots in my soul

Then

a verdant, green awakening

Bringing

Faith. Hope. Love.

as I

Became

as my branches grew

stretched out and expanded

I learned

it doesn’t need to be torture

to Grow

to Be

still, if my trunk is cut

yellow rings of despair might form

and

brown dried tumbleweeds occasionally

gather around

my base

but my branches fan out

my roots strengthen

offer protection

from the darkness

and a rainbow

blossoms from my Heart

and

Soul