Where Lies my Baby Teeth
Roots and branches.
When I lost my baby teeth,
my father gathered them
and planted them
under a young sapling oak tree
where it would get lots of sunshine.
"You will grow strong and tall as this oak tree,
you will spread your branches far and wide.
You will allow nothing to stand in your way...
as long as you remember to water it".
In the furor and commotion of growing up
Of course, I forgot to water the plant
Still, it grew tall and strong without me
My mother remembered though
She tended to my teeth and tree
Years later, when stress and responsibility began to take its toll...I remembered my tree, the root of myself planted beneath a great oak tree
The tree had been kind to my roots...it grew its own roots over them to protect them while they waited for me to return - to come sit under its branches and leaves and bare my soul. It was not yet a mighty oak. But it was on its way.
My father sits with me, while my mother watches from the window with a knowing smile.
My father planted me firmly in a place where I could always find solace.
My mother watered the roots, which then fed my branches.
I understood then, that my life needed to be grounded in my own special soil. I needed to set it free to grow, plant it in sunshine and water it with care.
I was free to chart my own journey---
The sky being no limit.
About the Creator
Antoni De'Leon
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. (Helen Keller).
Tiffany, Dhar, JBaz, Rommie, Grz, Paul, Mike, Sid, NA, Michelle L, Caitlin, Sarah P. List unfinished.
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Comments (17)
Antoni, I love your take on the challenge. Congratulations on your top story and win! "The tree had been kind to my roots...it grew its own roots over them to protect them while they waited for me to return." Yes!!! 🥰
Wow, this is so sweet and touching. Beautiful poetic tribute to the intentionality of parents
A unique blend of eloquent prose and minimalist poetry, and it clicks! 🤩🤩🤩
congratulations on top story- beautiful poem
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
back to say congrats on placement
Oh my my MY Antoni! This is empowerfully beautiful! Top story YAYS!!! 🎉
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Our roots are important they help us be who we are. As we grow they grow and they change to what we have become. Very nice keep up the good work.
What a beautiful story and wonderful memories.
The moment of returning to the tree in adulthood is so emotional. It shows how the roots we start with never truly leave us.
-I understood then, that my life needed to be grounded in my own special soil.- Yes! I loved that line and need to find the right mixture at times. Nicely done!
Roots and branches beautifully embracing their true potential. Smoothly, they transition into the sky and beyond. A grand finale.
This was so beautifully positive and held such an uplifting message. Loved it!
From image to words and I could see the dad planting the teeth and the growing of the tree and child. Good job.
So beautiful Antoni
Simply gorgeous!