Teach Me To Be A Banyan Poem by WIN VENTURA

I stood beneath a banyan tree,
Its silent strength spoke quietly.
No boastful words, no need for praise...
It simply stood through countless days.

Its roots reached deep beneath the earth,
A quiet symbol of true worth.
They held their ground through storm and rain...
Never shaken by fear or pain.

Its hanging roots reached down once more,
Touched the earth... then rose to soar.
Teaching me that every fall...
Can become our strength after all.

Its mighty trunk stood firm and tall,
Unmoved though seasons came to call.
Not hardened by the winds that blew...
But strengthened by what it went through.

Its branches stretched so far and wide,
With room for everyone beside.
It never questioned who belonged...
It simply welcomed everyone.

Its leaves became a living dome,
Where sunlight danced and found a home.
Like stained-glass windows, green and bright...
Turning ordinary into light.

The breeze became a sacred hymn,
Softly flowing through every limb.
The birds sang not because they must...
But because they felt safe to trust.

Its cooling shade embraced us all...
The weak, the weary, great and small.
It asked for nothing in return...
Yet gave more than we ever earned.

And as I sat beneath its grace...
A quiet thought I couldn't replace.

I don't wish to be known for fame...
Or riches tied to just my name.

Teach me to stand with quiet grace.
To stay rooted in every place.
To weather storms and still be kind.
To leave no weary soul behind.

Let my roots hold firm to truth.
Let my heart forever bloom.
Let my arms be wide enough...
To shelter those who've known it rough.

And when my journey here is through...
May someone say, with hearts sincere...

'You were like the banyan...
Strong without pride.
Beautiful without seeking admiration.
Steady through every storm.
Rooted in kindness.
And a place where others found peace.'

By: — WIN VENTURA