I have planted a seed

and watched it grow.

The young shoot once trembled in the wind of uncertainty

Now it stands straight and deals with the blows

of what must be weathered.

I have planted a seed

and watched it grow

week by week what I see I know.

What once trembled with fear

now stands and reads

What once shook

Now takes a look around

And contented, turns to read

What is written and gets read.

Where there was trembling

now is assembling stock phrases

Where there was fear

now stands dear

And nears as dammit gives back

as good as it gets.

I have planted a seed and watched it grow

Through sapling to tree

and now in full leaf

I will lay me down beneath its shade

and rest a while

secure in its embrace.