The Roots that Weren’t Broken

I feared broken roots

When youth’s tender sprout 

Was torn for its planter

Violently ripped out 

Tiny life-giving tendrils 

So vulnerable and weak 

Were spoiled and defiled

Prospects looked bleak 

Can one so young and small

Survive such an act? 

Not if the roots were broken 

That’s a plain, simple fact 

Nevertheless,

I repotted my plant

I won’t fail this sprout 

I won’t and I can’t 

Soft, fertile soil 

Kept sunny and wet 

The sprout isn’t taking  

Or at least isn’t yet 

But a few days later 

The sprout lifts its head 

My God, it’s still living!

I was sure you were dead.

Deep inside 

You have unbroken roots 

That no hand can defile 

Safe from villains and brutes 

Resilience runs deep 

Especially in youth 

So stand strong where you’re planted 

And abide in your truth 

With tending and patience 

You’ll learn to survive 

The roots that weren’t broken 

Have kept you alive 

You’ll grow and you’ll blossom 

In this garden you’ll thrive 

The roots that weren’t broken 

Have kept you alive