It is time for me to finally
become that tree I’ve longed to be.
To let my roots grow deep and strong,
to raise my branches to the sun.
I cannot be a shield or home,
or hide in walls of brick and stone.
It is time for me to stop and see
the frailty of things unlike me.
I will not be felled or chopped
into pieces that you can use.
I will not be told that I am not
a woman of strength and value.
I will grow tall.
I will grow strong.
My strength is beautiful,
and my beauty shines in love.
Love for you, the hurting.
Love for you, the strong.
Love for my creator,
his spirit and his son.
Finally, slowly, timidly
this love returns for me.
It finds me hurting.
It finds me strong.
It finds me.
Me, the tree woman, tall and strong.
Me, with branches that reach the sun.
A tree to hold safe secrets,
and a place to hide away.
