survival shoots

even in the worst conditions
starved of love
and water
even when the sun relentless
leaves no shade for comfort

with enough perseverance
survival shoots stretch
from the bottom
or the darkest
deepest problems

just one chink of light
can save
the least amount of grace
that plays it's colour
on these walls

with enough determination
survival shoots branch
green and strong
from the furthest
continents

a little hope in someone's eye
could bring me happiness
even in my saddest moment
silver lining
decorates this heavy cloud

with enough simple wisdom
one can trust
blue sky
still lingers
up above this raging storm

and any rain
will feed survival shoots
that dare to challenge
this parched wilderness

the mill

the mill wheel turns
and grinds
stone on stone
around and round
slowly pressing
down the husky grains
to soft fine powder

but those seeds that escape
the constant friction of the wheel
are left on stems
to blow and wave the sun down
and feeding birds
and insects perch
like crickets
in amongst the seed heads
left behind by scythe
and combine

these the beauty left
oh why does beauty
sacrifice itself
to the constant grinding of the wheel
when strength is found
in staying still
and swaying in these breezes

knock down the mill
and let the grain grow
free and blonde
on earth's soft headed hill