When a plant fades, its owners are dismal. They struggle to thrive from too much or little
care. The leaves wilt, not reaching their highest potential.
You whisper to them, in hopes of comforting them into gleam
Like when the plant used to smile and bloom
With graceful flowers, each petal a different hue.
You forgot to offer care and came back to a withered view.
You reassure the plant they’re not forgotten
You share how you long for old memories
And how things have shifted, changing for the worse.
You urge the dirt to accept hydration,
Even though they’ve been parched for so long.
The skeptical neighbors tell you “It’s too late, the plant has lost its song”
You tell the plant you will dedicate all your time to them
You will fight until your last breath. Words create hope,
Though actions create change. The plant held a grudge
Perched on yet another windowsill dreaming of change
but met with Lack of care.
Yet your thoughts wondered far away the window,
Frustrated with progress that was rarely seen,
The plant fought to grow, reaching for light.
With your neglect, it couldn’t stand to fight.
Kayla Sharp is a 17-year-old high school student, just starting her senior year at Franklin Towne Charter high school. She has loved writing since she was in elementary school, but throughout the past year she has been engaging more often with her passion for writing. She recently attended the Drexel writing conference and is currently in a creative writing class at her school. A majority of Kayla’s writing is based on her experiences in foster care and other events that have happened throughout her life.