A Young Sapling

That one is still a very young sapling.
If, wondering whether the little tree has taken root,
you keep pulling it up to look,
and plant it back in the ground when the roots have not grown,
then pull it up again whenever you grow curious,
and plant it again because the roots have not grown,
will the tree not wither and die?
Is that all you are meant to do for them?
You ought to be a windbreak when the wind blows,
dig a furrow when the heavy rains come,
pray that no pests take hold,
and bank the soil up around the roots;
yet every careless word you say to that tender spirit
wounds them deeply.
Be quieter still, and wait patiently.
For when your prayers have filled their measure and the time has come,
they will put down roots of their own
and come into bloom.