Advice from a Tree

I walked in the forest, away from the pack.
I walked in the forest, not looking back.
Through all the darkness, and through the light.
Until all things known were out of sight.
I pushed through the bushes, cautiously peering,
Until I came to a small little clearing.
Out in the middle, two towering trees.
A weeping willow and an oak in the breeze.
I sat in the clearing, in their great shade,
And all around me, the noise the wind made.
Soon there flowed words, them talking to me.
Talk coming from the wise oak tree.
"Dear little child, so young and so new,
Listen to this song I'm singing for you.
I'm not telling what's right, or even what's wrong.
Just please stay awhile and listen to my song.
I stand up tall, standing up proud,
While down to the ground my partner has bowed.
See how I stand, up tall, reaching high.
Stand like me, and you stretch to the sky,
Talking to the birds and the wind passing by.
But then, even then, you never can tell
What's happening down where the trees fell.
And if you stand low, stick your head in the sand,
You talk to the creatures, something quiet grand.
But you never learn, and you never can know
What happens up there, on high with the crow.
And if you meet people, open your heart wide,
You'll make lifelong friends, to whom you'll be tied.
And if you're alone, shunned by the rest,
You might even say that you've been blessed.
Cause then you'll never have to learn, or even to know,
All of the heartache and all of the woe,
When someone you love leaves you for good,
Buried in the ground in a coffin of wood.
And if you work hard and strive to do well,
In life you'll get money, do good, and excel.
If you drag your toes, and really don't care,
You'll stand on the sidelines and get what's fair.
No money, no house, a job if you're lucky.
And even then, if you remain plucky,
Life's not so bad, if you're happy and well.
If that's what you love, then you're doing swell.
Waht it all comes down to, my little sweet child,"
And I could swear that those old trees smiled.
"I can't give you advice,  not even some tips.
Life's not planned out, there are no scripts.
I can't tell you what's right, or even what's wrong.
Your life is your own, stand up, tall and strong.
Your life's yours to live, don't listen to others.
Not your mom, your dad, your sisters or brothers.
Cause this is your life, so keep it well hidden.
Yet take their advice to heart, however unbidden.
Listen to them, but remember that you
Will grow up to be what you're meant to do.
And I'm not telling you to simply ignore them,
Just know that who you are must always stem
From the core of your being, who you are inside.
Be unique, be wild. Don't walk, but stride.
Strut and twirl, and dance in the rain.
No life should truly be lived in vain.
Because we can't all be famous, with no worries or cares.
We can't all have a heart that never tears.
So no matter how hard life seems to be,
Just always remember, your heart holds the key.
Listen to it, and treasure it well.
Your life mightn't be perfect, but hey, who can tell?"
All of this, from a simple old tree.
To just be yourself, whoever you may be.
Grand old advice, without advice being given,
to live life to the fullest. Be happy and driven.
To be who you are, no more and no less.
There is nothing more that we can stress.
This life is a gift, don't waste it on doubt.
You may not have yet, but all seedlings sprout.