![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_f2c0501716674c22867f6066a2b9a250~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_f2c0501716674c22867f6066a2b9a250~mv2.jpg)
Once I was nothing but a twig.
The softest breeze rocked my world.
I’ve been stepped on, defiled, and worse, ignored.
In winters, I slumped under the weight of snow.
In summers, I withered during wildfires and droughts.
But as the calendar ticked away the years, I continued to grow and grow.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_b48b4a7603c34a2f8117c895f5277a21~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_b48b4a7603c34a2f8117c895f5277a21~mv2.jpg)
And with silent strength, I overcame the headwinds and elements that came my way.
To the sapling swaying in the wind, take heart.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_3508e6d5405b46b59d1dc8e3b5598bfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_3508e6d5405b46b59d1dc8e3b5598bfc~mv2.jpg)
One day you will become mighty too, and your presence will inspire philosophers, poets and artists alike.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_271b243431ef4c2d9787e9bc0b6728fe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1225,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_271b243431ef4c2d9787e9bc0b6728fe~mv2.jpg)
One day you will provide shade and shelter for the world around you.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_5583fa7c88ff4c23bb559e1061c268c7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1288,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_5583fa7c88ff4c23bb559e1061c268c7~mv2.jpg)
And you will tremble, slump, and wither no more.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_50ce2d10a31e413b96814e0a268aa2ff~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_50ce2d10a31e413b96814e0a268aa2ff~mv2.jpg)
***
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb1e0e_1b4de385cc5441a1bd20b24be0c904b0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/cb1e0e_1b4de385cc5441a1bd20b24be0c904b0~mv2.jpg)
I’m Michael Kennedy, Olympic Valley, CA resident, married to Nicola Kennedy (in photo above). I’m a writer, photographer, lover of nature, and property caretaker. I just want to say thanks for your attention - I appreciate it in such a noisy world. If you enjoyed it, please share with others. It means a lot to me and it helps others see the story.
If you're interested in owning any photos in my gallery, call or text me at 530.608.9150 with inquiries. My email: michael.kennedy999@gmail.com.
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