The Tree Who Chose To Grow

Chose to Grow

In a forest full of giants tall,

One little tree felt very small.

It whispered softly, “What can I be?

I’m just a sapling, a tiny tree.”

The oak was strong, the pine was proud,

The willow danced, the birch sang loud.

The sapling sighed, “I’ll never be

As grand as them — I’ll stay unseen.”

Then came a storm with winds that roared,

Rain poured down, the thunder soared.

The sapling bent, but did not break,

It learned to sway, for courage’s sake.

“Bend with the wind,” the willow said.

“Stand tall and firm,” the pine declared.

“Grow slow and strong,” the oak advised.

The sapling listened, wide‑eyed, surprised.

Each voice was wise, each path was true,

But which was right — what should it do?

The sapling thought beneath the sky,

And asked the stars to tell it why.

The stars replied with gentle glow:

“You choose the way you want to grow.

Your roots are yours, your branches too,

The light you seek will shine in you.”

The sapling whispered, “I will try.

I’ll reach for sun, I’ll reach for sky.

Even if I’m small today,

I’ll grow with courage, come what may.”

Seasons passed — the snow, the rain,

The sapling stretched through joy and pain.

Ring by ring, year by year,

It grew with hope, it grew with cheer.

Birds built nests upon its crown,

Squirrels raced and scurried down.

Children laughed beneath its shade,

A home for all was gently made.

The sapling, now a tree so tall,

Remembered when it once felt small.

It smiled and said, “I chose to grow,

And now my light helps others glow.”

The forest whispered, “You are strong.

You found your place, where you belong.

Not by being just like us,

But by becoming who you must.”

So if you feel too small, too slow,

Remember trees that choose to grow.

Your courage makes your branches wide,

Your kindness shines from deep inside.

The little tree became a guide,

Its roots held firm, its arms spread wide.

And every child who passed below

Learned: Strength is choosing how to grow.

THE END