We are the seeds of the diaspora
Our spores seek nourishment
In new earth
To regrow ourselves
We struggle for vital beginnings
Our tears water the soil
In foreign earth
To make a fresh start
Our roots gain purchase
Tentatively spreading out
In newly-known earth
To make a home
Our sap rises to feed
The thickening of our branches
In fertile earth
To solidify our place
Many seasons pass
Our old leaves wither
Our new leaves unfurl
Into the summer of our hearts
We are the refugee trees
Singing songs of the motherland
Still yearning for the earth of our bones
Lesley Shepherd
Auckland, NZ
