Deep Roots

3/11/10
Have you ever heard the sighing,
Groaning of a tree before a storm,
Heard the scraping of the branches
in the bending of its form?
Have you seen it swayed and straighten,
then be swayed again, again,
Seen the leaves like tiny banners,
whipping, dripping in the rain?
Seen it in its strength and beauty stand
defiant in the blast,
Seen it proud and undefeated when the
mighty winds have passed?

Have you seen a fellow mortal weighted
down with many cares,
Heard him sigh when dread disaster came
upon him unawares?
Have you seen him bear it bravely,
overcoming all his fears?
Seen him turn his face to heaven, gazing
upward through his tears?
Seen his countenance of sorrow change,
and wear the victor's smile,
Seen him stand complete in triumph o'er
the bitterness of trial?

Winds have ne'er uprooted timber growing
deep beneath the sod ----
Strife has never conquered mortals who are
rooted deep in God.
-Byron E Debolt