the things we love.

I wouldn't coax the plant if I were you.
Such watchful nurturing would do harm.
Let the soil rest from so much digging
And wait until it's dry before you water it.
The leaf's inclined to find its own direction;
Give it a chance to seek sunlight for itself.

Much growth is stunted by careful prodding,
Too eager tenderness.
The things we love we have to learn to leave alone.

(thank you:
Woman with Flower
By Naomi Long Madgett)