You cut my roots away

as you chiseled me out

with your bare hands.

From the depths of my

darkest despair

to the brightest light

that lives deep within.

You took all of it

as you pretended to weep.

I watched you

take my roots and

throw them to waste.

You can have

all the old parts of me.

For this time around,

you no longer have access

to what is so

rightfully mine.

Did you forget?

I’m as strong as the tallest hickory.

Pull me from the ground

and I’ll just plant myself.

Deep into the forest,

My leaves and my branches

no longer hold the weight

of you and yours.