incompatible mechanisms

ignorance isn't bliss

friends are like plants.
let me elaborate.

in order to become friends with someone,
you must find something they like
and provide it for them.
you grow closer in this way.

you nourish them with what they need.
conversation,
advice,
sympathy,
and water.
(make sure your friends are hydrated.)

they bloom!
they blossom and show you the fruits of your labor!

but should you be busy
and crash into bed too soon,
quickly your plant friend starts to wilt.

and forget you may.
don't expect them to wait for you to come back and raise them back up.

most people have no problem raising plants.
they have a green thumb and it goes well.

but i am not most people.

i forget that i plant five or so seeds,
and get too overwhelmed to water them.
so luck determines whether or not any grow.

and when one finally blooms,
i leave it in the dark.

i try not to.
i want to tell them i'm proud,
and their blossoms look wonderful.

but i can't.

i remember seeing it unfurl.
the petals finally budding and opening.
and i'm happy for them.

but when i go away,
i don't quite understand that they
continue to grow without me.

and even now,
that's hard for me to comprehend.

i think this is less a problem of me
and more of a problem of the plants.

most aren't resilient
and want everything constantly.

just find the right species.
not everything works for everyone.

diamonds may need pressure to form
but
bread rises when you let it rest.

- r. b. auden