THE WILL TO LIVE


When I see
the roots of an old bay
such as this
twisted down and around
and through the rocks
of the edge of a steep creek bank
I am filled with admiration
stunned with wonder
at the ability of this tree
to not merely survive
but to thrive.

I stand here amazed
at this beautiful being’s
incredible desire
to raise herself high
toward the sky
no matter how many obstacles
present themselves.

Such tenacity
to overcome difficulty
inspires me
to continue growing through and around
the obstructions that crop up frequently
in what had—
in my youth—
appeared to be
a much more direct and simple path.



Lilith Rogers
May 15th, 2010