Roots and Wings Poem

Roots of inner values, like rings within a tree,

and Wings of independence to seek my destiny.
 

Roots to hold forever to keep me safe and strong,

To let me know you love me, when I've done something wrong;
 

To show me by example, and helps me learn to choose,

To take those actions every day to win instead of lose.
 

Just be there when I need you, to tell me it's all right,

To face my fear of falling when I test my wings in  flight;
 

Don't make my life too easy, it's better if I try,

And fail and get back up myself, so I can learn to fly.
 

If I had two wishes, and two were all I had,

And they could just be granted, by my Mom and Dad;
 

I wouldn't ask for money or any store-bought things.

The greatest gifts I'd ask for are simply Roots and Wings.

By Denis Waitley