roots

Revised 

 I had to walk through a wooded path today 

seeking a shortcut to the shops

when I stepped on roots protuding out of the soil, 

gnarled, entwined.

I pressed on, knowing they would bear my weight,

not give way,

like how I used to walk on my dad's back as a child,

to massage him, he'd say.

I'd trek back and forth on that broad back, 

giggling even,

never doubting that he would bear my weight.

After all, my parents have borne me all my life;

my petulant tantrums,

my late nights without calling,

my taunts that suggested they knew nothing, ha,

all the while holding me up

so I could sway and dance,

confident they'd bear me up

always.

----

I had to walk thru a wooded path today seeking a shortcut to the shops

And i stepped on roots protuding out of the soil, gnarled entwined 

Knowing they would bear my weight

Not give way

Like how i used to walk on my dad's back as a child

To massage him he'd say

I'd trek back and forth

On that broad back 

Giggling even 

Never doubting once 

that he would bear my weight 

Like roots bear the weight of mighty trees

So my parents bear me

My petulant tantrums

My barbed words

My late nights without calling

My taunts that suggested they knew nothing ha

All the while

Holding me up

So i could sway and dance

in the winds of time

Confident they'd bear me up

Always