i hope you grow strong
and free
with or without me
i want you to laugh often
and long
stretch supple branches
to a blue and breezy sky
i hope you live in a grove
of other happy trees
in a forest peaceful
deep
and green
i want fresh, cool water
to reach your roots
and rich, warm dirt
to help your trunk stand firm
i can’t help but want
to grow there too
reaching for the stars
alongside you
passing quiet chatter
and caressing words
through sun-dappled afternoons
and vibrant dawns
yet i’ll love you long
praying for a string
of happy tomorrows
no matter how far
you are