The Stem’s Solitude

By Madhurima Nair

The stem is always compliant

it holds up the flower, 

showered not with water, but with compliments

the stem supports it but never gets supported

the stem is always the cheerleader, 

but when the lights are killed, 

is there anyone to cheer the stem?

**

The second I falter,

the minute I drop my façade 

and droop,

the world sharpens their pitchforks,

ready to slit my throat

I lash out,

launching thorns 

from my unseen arsenal.

but they press on, relentless,

tearing through my defences

I fall,

vulnerable and weak,

exposed and bleak

all because I didn’t stand up for the flower

absorbing every beam I once called my own.

By Madhurima Nair