Tiny Seeds

A seed begins life
beneath the soil,
comfortably protected
from the elements.

Then come the challenges
of growth --
wind, hail, feet,
axes and shovels and fire.

There is no progress without risk,
no triumph without travail.
The tallest trees begin as tiny seeds --
unrealized potential.

Within each of us
lie seeds of greatness and,
more importantly,
goodness.

We can choose to remain
cocooned in safe slumber,
never daring to try,
never seeing the sun.

Or we can rise,
risk,
reach,
possess the sky.

It is our commission
to break the surface of the soil
and learn what it means
to live.