Written at the edge of a new year, this poem speaks about growth that comes from effort, not wishes. It values persistence over results we can see, and reminds us that real wealth is often hidden—like roots that hold everything upright.

What This Tree Really Grows

On the final night of the year,
when resolutions flicker like sparks
before the dark can keep them,
a tree stands quietly—
not asking, not promising,
only growing.

Its roots drink from buried failures,
from days we almost left ourselves behind,
from courage we didn’t yet know
was courage.

Its branches hold small notes—
Stay with the struggle,
inked in patience,
signed by time.

This tree does not reward wishing.
It answers effort.

Each leaf is a choice made again.
Each scar, a season endured.

As midnight arrives,
the tree does not change—
we do.

At last, we understand:
wealth is not what hangs from the branch,
but what allows the branch
to bear the weight.

So let the new year begin.
May we plant with care.
May we wait without fear.
May our hands be honest
with the work they do.

And may whatever grows
teach us gratitude.
May it be enough.

(Vijay Verma)
 www.retiredkalam.com

Categories: kavita

Tags: #creativity, #emotion, #happiness, #poem, faith, featured, gardening, nature, plants, trees