Gasp

Live as the trees.    
Don't be afraid  
To be a tender shoot.    
Drink the rain,
Take the time to grow.   
Become the young sapling.    
Look to the heavens,    
Reach for the stars,    
Follow the sun.    
Enjoy each season    
For what they are    
And what they bring.    
Put down strong roots.    
Grow straight and tall.    
Stretch out your arms,  
Feel the breeze.    
Be flexible enough    
To brave the storms,    
Bending without breaking.    
Endure the changes that come.    
Share your shade with others    
And provide a place to nest.
Bare fruit and spread your seed.
Then, at the end of your Autumn,    
In your dying gasp,  
Go out with a spectacular show of color.