Graduation from Open Sky is usually a bittersweet process. As much as a student and their family can reflect on their successes and be proud of their progress, there is still the task of saying goodbye to all those individuals who shared in this transformative experience. Simply put, it’s often a very emotional moment. Recently, one of our young adult students in team Durga left behind a poem to be given to their peers. We would like to share this poem with our community.
The Great Tree
Twin trees in the wood, one tall and one small
Apart from their brothers, distant from all.
The small one cried out, “I am thin and I’m weak.
Your leaves are bright, whilst mine stay bleak.
I am scared of this world, for one storm I’ll be dead.
No purpose in life, consumed with this dread.”
The tall one looked down and proclaimed loud and bold,
“Share in my roots, dead brother, your weight I shall hold.
Each day you’ll grow stronger, great in size,
Your branches will stretch, reach up to the skies.
One day you won’t need me, you’ll be on your own.
Heed my words wisely, teach what I’ve shown.”
With that, the tall tree embraced his kin.
The small tree grew strong, finding power within.
Only each other they had night and day.
Until Father sky, had something to say.
A great storm arose that night in the woods.
And the small tree stood firm for as long as he could.
A light lit the sky, with power and with might
And the small tree wept softly, for his brother was struck that night.
He wept and he sank in the grief of his loss.
His branches slumped lower, trunk covered with moss.
Defeated and broken, the tree sat with shame.
But then the wind howled, calling his name.
“Great tree, my brother, you forgot what I’ve shown.
You do not need me now; you have strength to be alone.
This is the purpose of your life, don’t you see?
Show the world how Great you can be.”
Something awoke within the Great Tree.
No beholder of eyes, yet still he could see.
Years went by and the tree grew tall.
Each evening and dawn, taller than them all.
He stood with power, with strength and with pride.
When the small trees were broken, he was their guide.
The Great Tree would look down and proclaim loud and bold,
“Share in my roots, dear brothers, your weight I shall hold.
Each day you’ll grow stronger, greater in size.
Your brothers will stretch, reach up to the skies.
One day you won’t need me, you’ll be on your own,
Heed my words wisely, teach what I’ve shown.”
With that, The Great Tree, would embrace his kin.
The Great Tree was strong, and found love within.
Be The Great Tree, Durga.
October 5th, 2016