or, You Blow Me Away

My stem runs from my body to my branch
And I stretch my green body wide like a sail
To capture sunbeams so I can
Grow my stem strong, so I won't
Fall before I'm ready.
But I would never dance
If you didn't come rushing through me.
Maybe I won't fall, maybe I'll
Fly, maybe I don't need
My roots, at least
Not like I need the sky.

Sometimes you run
Roaring, wailing past me,
Pulling me with you.
I say gently, careful, softly,
Let me catch my breath before
You blow me away.
I say, hold tight, stand up, stand strong.
You say, know when to let go.