Roots

Just as it keeps a tree firmly ground So too, does the man have a base to grow The privilege of having a mound A family history and loved ones to know …But when do roots become chains? When does the boy from his hometown Feel that he must constantly owe The people that he carries ‘round In a constant, never-ending tow Dreams falling apart, and yet he must remain. His eyes, all they can do is tease As his branches reach to the limitless sky Grasping, yet without ability to please His potential having become a lie To artificially expand what little he can lay claim. And even with his gnarled chains, his fight is renewed Through a seed, with desires of its own But the roots, the chains, they are quite shrewd As they renew the cycle, and the seed had not known Despite its growth and promise, the chains again are lain.