Those roots in front of Yaaye Fondé’s house;
So visible
Tangled and above the surface.
I always wondered why?
Why not be like all the other trees
Whom roots stay below the surface?
They may be messy,
But at least no one sees them.
Was the ground too dry?
Too difficult to dig into?
Was the tree being tentative,
Not letting itself grow deep roots
For the chance of an opportunity to grow them elsewhere?
Did this tree do it to accommodate the neighborhood?
Did it know we would seek refuge under its shade
And sit on its many benches?
Or was it afraid?
Afraid to dig in and be strong.
Be itself and grow tall.
You see,
The trees whose roots we can’t see are the sturdiest.
In order to grow tall,
You must dig deep.
That’s why you lost all your leaves.
That’s why your branches are bare as your roots.
But here –
I’ll pluck your last seed
And plant it somewhere
And you can learn from your past;
Remember to grow deep roots.