GROWING

Like branches of the same tree
We started out together
But the years grew us apart
You reached out and up
To flourish in the sun
While I hung back
settled in the shade
Of the many other branches nearby.
Though we both weathered
Winters and storms
But a few feet apart
The distance hurts like continents of space
And your fruit drops large and sweet
While mine remains hard and tart
Throughout the summers unyielding heat.
And I would never begrudge
The way you thrive
Because despite my shady past
I've managed to stay alive.