Newfound Determination

Whistling wind and ravaging rain

Attack mercilessly at the newborn tree

Whose delicate branches have been stripped bare

And all it does is cry a plea

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For all the agony to cease.

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The savage, pitiless thunderstorm rages on

Mindless of all the destruction it causes

It tears at defenceless wildlife

Finally, the little tree pauses,

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What is the point in surrendering?

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It asks itself, and slowly, ever so slowly

It builds up the courage to fight

Stock-still it stands, as strong as an ox

Refusing to give in to its plight

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The gods are angry; its wrath must be felt

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But the fierce little being holds on

For a few strained hours it clings to the earth

In some vague hope that soon all'd be well

And yet-- it has proven its worth

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The clouds are opening, the rain has cleared.

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The newborn tree glances up

The sunshine dominates all grey

The storm subdues, the hurt is less

No longer is the tree in the fray

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Once more, all is at peace.