All things must come to an end my friend,
Said the old branch to its samara leaf,
And seeing how we’re connected and all,
It seems that time may be your thief.

You see I once was young and small,
And through Sun and time found strength,
But the cold months also grew me strong,
That’s when my rooted feet found length.

Time has changed me, that’s for sure
With my longer ends and wider base,
And with this weathered life I lived,
I earned these wrinkles on my face.

I’ve seen the seasons come and go
Some longer and darker than I wanted,
I’ve seen the children running through
And heard their talk of trees so haunted.

But I’ve been determined to just be me
And that’s all that we each can do,
So covet not the flowers below,
For none can match your beauty through.

But before I ramble along too much,
Please forget not my strongest advice,
Make sure you let go as you grow,
Hanging on too long will bring strife.

So when the next good strong wind blows,
With trust, release and take your flight,
You’ll twirl around and see this world,
Before you settle into home so tight,

And with some time, rain and rays,
You’ll soon become a tree like me,
Then, stand firm before the world,
And encourage the seeds from thee.

© Chad Hollingsworth

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