Árbol

There came a day when it was
decided it was time for you to be cut
down. And so they pulled you apart,
destroyed your bark for sharing
truths. They took one of your roots
and left you scarred for life. A life
that would continue. When they
noticed you stood your ground and
again survived, the forest mocked
and discredited you. Your soul cried
out. But your resilience was never
taken into account. Instead, the rain
washed away your fears, cleansed
your wounds with her delicate touch.
Pink flowers blossomed from your
stems in spite of lack of light and
infertile soil. And as you grew taller
and left them behind, the sun glowed
bigger and brighter bursting from
the sky and birds settled onto your
branches. You nurtured their
passion, provided comfortable
retreat. Your journey out into
the world would be their stories.

Emanuel Xavier is author of several poetry books including Selected Poems of Emanuel Xavier and Love(ly) Child. His books have been finalists for International Latino Book Awards and Lambda Literary Awards and his work has appeared in Poetry, A Gathering of the Tribes, Best American Poetry, and elsewhere.