It will bide its time

(Volcanoes Trilogy)

The story begins.
A seed falls in a crevice --
that could be the end.

But it is deep down --
not destined to be eaten.
It will bide its time.

Winds blow and snow falls.
It is a living thing and
it will bide its time.

Sun scorches, fire burns,
It is lieing protected.
in its deep repose.

Ash and dust blow in.
Rain falls -- the stones shed water
into its crevice.

The seed awakens.
What bad fortune placed it there?
How can it survive?

It bursts its hard shell
and sends out tentative roots.
Time is critical.

A toehold is gained
and soon it secures its own place
deep among the rocks.

A shoot, a small leaf,
and a thorny twig appear
reaching for the light.

Conditions are right.
A little rain and sunlight
is good - not too much.

So many things could
go wrong - but it is alive
and it will bide its time.

An accident of
placement and sheer persistence
brought it this far.

Adversity and
determination combined
with fortune win out.

Life is very hard.
Not all struggles end this way.
It's good that some do.