Shedding

Shedding 

by Jessica Schroeder 

Just as a tree sheds its leaves 

I, too, am shedding.

I’m getting back to my roots 

one day at a time. 

My leaves slowly begin to fall.

I do not mourn those that fall

for each leaf once had purpose. 

As safety or armour,

as the seasons change 

and life continues on

I’m slowly getting free.

Free of everything that no longer fits.

Reclaiming my right,

my right to be here 

just as I am.

I’m standing tall in my new roots

naked and unashamed. 

Only then my tree truly begins to heal

and little by little 

my tree is beginning to grow.

Growing lasting roots 

embedded in truth

for all the generations that follow.

As time passes old wounds begin to heal

and new life begins to bloom.

Soon my tree is full of colorful new leaves;

although my scars remain,

they no longer are a burden to carry,

but rather a humbling reminder 

of where I’ve been

and the storms I’ve weathered.

Like a tree I am ever changing 

a child of the Earth

rooted in Mother Nature 

shedding things that no longer fit 

knowing that where there is darkness,

there is also light,

for each day is a new opportunity to 

shed the old and begin again.