A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by Betty Smith

Everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of that grating. It gets no sun, and water only when it rains. It’s growing out of sour earth. And it’s strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way.”

Katie had a fierce desire for survival which made her a fighter. Johnny had a hankering after immortality which made him a useless dreamer. And that was the great difference between these two who loved each other so well.

They learned no compassion from their own anguish. Thus their suffering was wasted.

There had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background its flashing glory.

“I work so hard, sometimes I forget that I’m a woman.”

Only let me be something every blessed minute. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost.”