I Grew Luscious

By Varna Rajeshkannan

Dear 5, you were a seed in quiet ground,

Your tender dreams unspoken, soft and sound.

Dear 13, young stem with trembling leaves,

Afraid the wind might steal what heart believes.

Dear 18, climbing vines, both fierce and wild,

You sought the stars, still restless, still untamed.

Dear 21, through storms your roots held fast,

You bent but never broke, the darkness passed.

Now 24, I bloom because I know,

The sun I need is love I give and grow.

With roots deep-set, my branches upward rise,

Self-nourished, crowned beneath forgiving skies.

By Varna Rajeshkannan