Are you writing about me! (Paraphrasing Robert DeNiro) At the ripe old age of 20, I was challenged with survival at its essence. By that time, I was well on the path of the simple life that would have me retired by now and enjoying nature to the fullest without a care in the world. However, faced with this mighty challenge, I grew my roots deep into the advantage of all assistance in all technology to survive. I did not rely on so-called friends or even relatives to sustain me. I am all the better for it and fully independent, perhaps until I die.

Thanks for writing this poem about what it means to dig in and be persistent so that you can survive whatever life throws at you.

Ron

I like your idea of roots. I used to be able to hike where there were lots of roots like the one in your picture. In West Virginia, there are a lot of glacial rocks with tree roots encapsulating them like a starfish over a clam. But my walking any distance is over. I still hae an old Jeep Wrangler that my wife and I take off road (legally) in West Virginia. This gives me the chance to revisit some of the most beautiful places.

rege

Well Done my ninja,..i enjoyed it very much so!!!!

Love it and the picture too. e

Wise words, Patrick; I love the symbolism and metaphor. Thank you. Love and peace to you,

Regis

Splendid insigtful poem, Patrick! You learn well and can help others to do the same...I love trees,they are great teachers!

i love the way different things of nature seem to trigger such poetic insightful words from that noggin of yours.......you've definitely got 2 very talented niches going here patrick....i truly appreciate both....pat

well done! i love it!

Finely structured in thought and expression, Patrick,
and the final lines have such strength.

John

We could learn a lot, from a tree - indeed.

Well said, Patrick.

With the hazards, horrors and temptations that overtake the youth of today, I cannot help but wonder of what direction their twisting roots will take tomorrow.
Great words, Patrick, my friend; Mark

Nice thoughts and I'm particularly touched by the last two stanzas. Inspiration from a unique tree.

Axilea

Pat, you really seem to be branching out to new levels in your poetic form. I am impressed! Apparently your roots have met the right kind of challenges lately. Keep growing. RC

Quite inciteful (sp) young man.

Cheers,
Dan

We're thinking along the same lines today.
Fabulous line of thought and poem here.
Roots have always fascinated me, their pull down into the darkness and all, how they nourish from the underworld, how they are so fun to draw.
Christine