Fruit is but a fraction of the tree.
One savors it, but knows what makes it sweet.
Remember that the tree is what one tends,
Taking care that it gets light to eat,
Yet rain enough to drink in avidly.
So must one tend oneself sufficiently;
In love and joy pursue, or else defeat,
Xerophyte or hydrophyte, one's ends.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.