We Like You Just the Way You Are

Dear One,

When I say,

“We like you

Just the way you are”

I am not saying,

“Never change.”

Who you are

Is delightful,

Exquisite, new,

And radiant.

But

If you stayed complacent

As an apple tree sapling,

The world might never

Get to enjoy your flowers,

Your fruit, and your shade.

Growing doesn't mean

Changing from apples to oranges.

It means becoming the

Most lovely apple tree

Planted just as you are.

And we love you for it.