Compassion for A Sprout

Of all the things in the forest — 

colorful maples, mysterious cypress, and towering sequoias — 

This one is a sprout.

Sure, it does have a nice little rock on its side,

a once-in-awhile visit from the hummingbirds,

and, at times, a little bit of rainwater.

But it is a sprout, nonetheless.

It hasn't developed the arching roots that claw deep into the ground,

Or a thousand leaves that shelter millions of tiny lives underneath.

Yet the sky mercifully looks downward,

condenses its spirit into the purest drop of the first rain,

and, through a solemn kiss on its tiny leaves,

breathes a million lives to a one-inch bud.