Shallow Roots

the result of drought
these roots come up through the hardened earth
resting atop the ground like wooden serpents intertwined
they long for water to quench their thirst
but it does not come
the soil lost its moist nourishment long ago
dry and barren, the ground is left to itself
when will the rain come?
nobody knows,
but when it does come the greedy little roots will
drink until they swell from their gluttonous thirst
once satisfied, they will plunge themselves deep into the rejuvenated soil
restoring balance to the soul

Rebecca Truman 2010