The Tree Story

            
             My arms reach out to the sun, seeking warmth. But, instead sometimes I am washed in rain. The sturdy roots I have hold me steady as the storm seems intent on my destruction. Soon a warm column of sun alights on my bountiful leaves causing rain drops to turn into millions of miniature rainbows. Slowly, I am warmed and invigorated by the sun's brilliance and my soft green leaves and flower buds proudly display their beauty, which seems all the greater after weathering the storm. The soothing light of an afternoon sun sprinkles delicate shadows around my huge trunk and roots. The pure light goes on to intermingle with my small green leaves. Eventually the day will fall into darkness as night begins its evening shift. Yet, I will not sleep beneath the star studded sky. Instead, I'll stand tall and alert as sleep softly comes to the nests of the birds who live under the shelter of my leaves. So, as the moon's soft glow drops shadows of darkness together with the star's shimmering white on my boughs I watch and I wait for morning's first light. Oh how grand I stand and in praise to this life I lift up my hands (branches). And outstretched to heaven from my brown stalky trunk, my leaves provide shade for those who may want.