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The One I Ignored

Ronith


Dear cactus


I remember the day dad brought you home.

Not knowing you could ever bloom flowers, I insisted on keeping you in the living room. Being an impatient teenager, I wanted you to grow up alongside me.

I wanted you to strengthen your roots and blossom into a beautiful being, and when you didn't, I no longer gave you my attention.


I’ve always loved your colour. It’s neither too dark nor too light. And I’ve always wanted my life to be like this: neither too sad nor too happy.

I remember being hurt by you. You taught me that people change if we don't act the way they want us to. You helped me reconnect with reality, helping me realise that even those we love might end up hurting us, intentionally or not. Through you, I saw the world as it is: full of thorns; unfiltered.

You taught me the true meaning of the phrase 'unconditional love'. You taught me to be myself and to love people even when they don't treat me properly. People who love each other, I always assumed, don't grow apart. You taught me that wasn’t true, people drift and move on.


Always caught up with work, I was unable to water you frequently when that was all you needed.

I too have hit that grey patch in my life where I repel people with “thorns” yet seek love.


I’d often find you lying in the corner of a window shelf, away from the common viewing area. At times, you reminded me of the kid inside, who is afraid to meet strangers and who I shield from the outside world.


Now-a-days, I can’t seem to find you anywhere. You were never a sight to behold yet I miss you, and long to have a look at you. You were a great friend and an even greater teacher, and if I could just turn back the time to spend some more moments with you, I would.


Lots of love,

Your not-so-good friend


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