Sunflowers

By Manaswini Subnivis

I’m an ocean of sunflowers.

My petals have dried up in the winter-

But I’m still a soft spot for you.

You were into tulips and then into gardens-

And I choose to put my face to the sun.

Because your heart is a greenhouse

A super sun hothouse-

Not where sunflowers bloom.

But you chose to bring me home,

Put me on a windowsill because you loved yellow that day-

So much that it was too much.

And my scent filled the room.

But like all sunflowers, I faded the next day-

Even though I was an ocean once,

I let myself fit your vase

Because I loved the way the sun filters in from your blinds and

Glints off the honey in your eyes-

Even if a flower can only admire it like this.

Even if a flower can only love you like this-

Until it fades away.

By Manaswini Subnivis