A great idea to grow in rings

A great idea to grow in rings around
A central core, and grow each year in spite
Of what the weather sends.  Below the ground
The same thing, down instead of up, brings might.

I tried the rings but went in circles round
And round until my head was blank and light.
Then when I tried to think a thought, I found
I just repeated dead-end thoughts.  Good night!

I took to heart the putting down of roots
And tried to find stability in depth
But all I found was being anchored shoots
The possibility of change. Inept.

In rings and roots I'd hoped to feel more free.
I guess I wasn't meant to be a tree.