The Lonely Year

Artist Unknown

I was rooted.  All my life, rooted to the ground.

I watched my leaves break off, fly or fall, and leave me.

I watched the birds on my branches, flock and fly, and leave me.

I watched my brothers cut down, uprooted and stolen, and leave me.

I was filled with this unnameable desire, to leave this ground

that felt lonelier and lonelier

every year.

So, every day, I worked my roots out of the ground, little by little.

It took me years, and with every ring that grew around my bark,

the ground released me inch by inch.

I grew taller and older, lonelier and lonelier,

but shook the earth from me, day by day.

Until one day, my roots tore free.

Now, I am free to leave.

I am free to follow my leaves.

I am free to follow the birds.

I am free to wander the earth.

I am free to be rootless.