A. L. Michaelson
Shriveled
It isn't dead-
I promise.
It isn't dead- so don't throw it away
Yet.
I know, I know-
The leaves are a little shriveled
And yellowing,
The soil is dry and cracked.
The roots are
Half decayed.
Who would even want a plant like that now?
But it isn't dead.
So, don't throw it away.
Just try,
Try,
To water it.
Prune the yellow leaves and
Trim the decayed roots off.
Just add water and a pep talk.
Did you drink water today?
Look in the mirror and see that you
Have pruned and trimmed-
But make sure you water yourself.
And a pep talk.
I am really proud of you-
That you keep growing-
Don't throw it all away,
Yet.
What's that saying-
The grass is greener where you
Water it.
So, water it.
A. L. Michaelson is a writer living in Colorado who works in education administration by day and writes late into the night. Her poetry explores memory, growth, and what survives winter. She is currently completing a novel. When she steps away from the page, she enjoys hiking and working with animals.