The fledgling bush
grew into a tree
not without
birth pains
twigs outstretched
its leaves spread
with pride
the world watched
for its downfall
from hurricane of woes

the now mighty tree
survived not without
scars; until its golden
hair turned into brown
age caught up
leaves wilted
its body gave in
no longer proud

in the river by the
bank of its childhood
a driftwood floats
to nowhere