A Weed Grown Through Concrete

Sprouted through a narrow channel,
Squeezed along the way.
Thirsty, withered, rooted shallow,
Reaching for the day.
Pushing upward,
No retreat,
A weed grown through concrete.

Now above the solid ground,
Triumph won through pain,
Exposed to eyes that only see
The glory of a stain.
Nearly crushed by passing feet,
A weed grown through concrete.

Stunted, tilted, leaves are split,
Somehow standing still.
Wonders at the purpose
Of the breaking of its will.
Bending forward in defeat,
This weed grown through concrete.

Then tiny feet come walking by,
Tiny fingers pull.
She carries home a flower,
A little heart is full.
All the bitter turns to sweet
For a weed grown through concrete.

Every plant can have two names,
A blossom and a weed,
But every one is precious
To the planter of the seed.
Petals, thorns,
We are complete.
All of us are flowers grown through concrete.