After The Storm

By Mehar Walia

I am a tree

The tree who never seeks but gives

Never speaks but heals

The tree whom all love and adore

But then the storm comes

Still, I stand firm

against the storm

Trying not to break, shake, or even move

I stay still

But yet it is not in my control

I move,

I shake,

I may even break

Then the wind dies down

And the rain pours softly

It heals me

It wraps around me

And it holds me

in its warm embrace

Yet it is only so much it can do

It is I who must heal and grow

But I know that’ll take time

It won’t happen in just a few days

It’ll take time

And why ask how much?

Let it quietly be

But after my new branches

and leaves grow

I’ll thank the storm

For setting me free

By Mehar Walia