13 Ways

I

On the top of the hill

the sapling sprouted

among the green grasses.

II

The wind blew

and the sapling bent before it.

III

As the ground dried

and cracked around it,

the sapling dug deeper

in search of life-giving

Water.

IV

The sun beat down relentlessly.

The grass turned brown.

The sapling thrived.

V

A tornado passed nearby.

Trees were uprooted,

grass thrown everywhere

but the sapling stood strong

VI

The rain kept falling,

the ground soaked through.

The sapling was drowning.

The sun came

and the sapling could breathe.

VII

The ground split mere inches away.

The sapling could see its roots,

but survived.

VIII

The sapling’s branches were heavy with

Icicles hanging from its few leaves.

IX

Surrounded by piles of snow,

the sapling survived

while the grass was buried.

X

Stones appeared.

The grass nearby died.

The sapling grew.

XI

The grass grew again.

The sapling rose above,

Proud.

XII

The grass was cut,

the sapling left alone.

The sapling knew.

XIII

Next to the house,

the sapling gave shade.

The sapling was cared for.