Poem on Growth

Healthy Pains of Growth
(Based on John 15:2)
© 1990 Steve Poole

There is a garden well kept
By a Masters tender care.
Attended to throughout the year,
His love is evident there.
Cultivated for strength and growth,
Mulched and weeded for protection.
Watered daily by tears of joy
And sweat drops of perspiration.

In the center stands a tree
With branches slightly swooning
So the Master of the garden
Prepares the tree for pruning.
“I have been with you throughout the years,
It started with your birth.
You have grown quite strong and healthy.
Your fruit has shown your worth.

“While it’s hard to comprehend
And may even seem unfair,
I need to prune your branches back
If more fruit you are to bear.”
With the first clip came a shudder
As the tree was shocked and pained.
The Master with a tear soaked face
Looked to the tree and explained.

“while everything may seem alright
From all outwardly appearances,
I look inside straight to your heart
Where I see many painful experiences.
It is never easy to bear the load
That you are called to bear.
The strain and strife to simply survive
Causes damage that I must repair.

“If left alone to stay the same
Your fruit will overwhelm you.
The load will be too much to bear
And will eventually destroy you.”
With gentle, loving, caring hands
The Master resumes His task.
Clipping away the old and weak,

Applying ointment from His flask.