Roots and Branches
not literal, just introspective
Roots
are the
voices you
carry in your
head and within
your soul, endless.
*
But,
sometimes,
it’s painful.
*
A mother’s patience,
or lack thereof.
A father’s understanding,
or lack thereof.
A brother’s judgement,
or a sister’s inconsistent opinions.
A family’s health,
or lack thereof.
A family’s wealth,
or lack thereof.
A history of drama,
and things you never
wanted to find out, things
connected to abuse, dysfunction,
neglect, favoritism, pressure,
and far worse.
*
Lessons remembered
through spankings;
you decide its best to
hide yourself than be yourself,
if this is the punishment.
*
Moments of belonging,
they are few and far
inbetween, unhealthy,
but hey, it’s home.
*
Memories of a childhood
that are far greater than any
of your memories as a teenager
or an adult, or even your senior,
because things were far simpler then.
*
You can become
the things that you
hate about your family
or you can become something
greater than anything they’ve become.
*
Because branches
are the risks you take
to save yourself.
*
The words you write.
The songs you sing.
The poems you say.
The dreams you have.
*
Friends who nudge you
forwards, not backwards,
wanting the best for you,
sometimes more than your
only family supports you.
*
Don’t keep your hopes down.
*
The promise of tomorrow
might hold more than today.
*
Sometimes,
roots feel heavy with burden,
and sometimes,
branches tremble in the wind,
but you need both.
*
One grounds you.
One carries you.
*
Both state the same truth—
you’re not finished here,
you’re still growing.
About the Creator
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Outstanding
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Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Comments (13)
Well said. Such truths. kudos on TS/
Beautifully said, great lesson. Congrats.
This was so painfully relatable!! That final line just sang to loud! Belated congrats on Top Story!!
This is a wonderful poem, perfectly complemented by your shared image
Congratulations on top story and well done writing 200 pieces! This is a beautiful poem
Love this! Thank you for sharing!
“Because branches are the risks you take to save yourself” Beautifully written.
Congratulations on top story, well deserved! I enjoy the picture you drew with the roots, and then the way you took the branches and said, you can make this into your own story.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
We cannot get rid of our roots; they make us who we are—for better or worse, whether we like it or not. We make our own branches, and they nourish us in a different way from our roots. As you said, both necessary, even if we have our preferences. Well put. Congrats on reaching 200, and congrats on the Top Story!
Oh my gosh!!! You reached the big 200!! 🎉👏🏾 Photos like these will always lure me in. This one is so honest. It's like a drive through all the horrible parts of being apart the family. I like how you started the imagery of the roots of the tree. Unhealthy, but hey it's human. It's like you have to take what is being done to you... I got goosebumps when I got to the senior bit. It was when the rhythm drove it's way into my mind and sparked satisfaction. 'You're not finished here, you are still growing' this was so motivating and inspiring. You really went to the heart of the reader and took your time to make their day much better. Thank you, this was outstanding, Luna. 🤗❤️
Whoaaa, this was so deep. Loved it! Congratulations on hitting 200 pieces! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
We all have our qualms and likes for our families for it is how we learn to handle them that makes things work out maybe. Good job.