Willow

• Vanessa Van Der Mast (SMALL V & D), Grade 11, Mt Annan High School
• Poetry
• 2019

Excellence Award in the 'Inspired 2019' competition

I stood, overlooking the creek below,
Nourished by the sun, earth and water.
My arms stretched high above me, and my fingers dangled,
Tickling the water as it giggled and splashed the riverbed.
For years I gave no thought to my future – I had no need.
I offered a sanctuary – fresh and clean,
And the gentle breeze tousled my hair.
I no longer stand tall and strong, my fingers broken and brittle.
The thirsty earth has sucked the life from my veins.
I offer a sanctuary no more,
My shadow no longer a resting place for the occasional passer-by.
My shell stands as a stark reminder of my beauty,
Ripped away by the bitterness of fire.
I feel a stirring deep within my soul,
As the rain dampens the earth around me.
There is hope.