Palm Tree

stand tall
head up
arms open always
like that palm tree
that stays out
in the wilderness;

there is no need
to sway
to stoop
or dance
to another's tune,
even if the world
sees that as strength;

there is a need
for you
to be simply 'you',
so full
of your arrogant
confident self, yet
open to Life
and her mysterious ways,

with no urgency
to scramble
for the distant sun
who dances with your
pointy fronds too,
urging you onward,
to bear your own fruit.
The world is waiting for you.