Source
r/OCPoetry•
skol_vikings_skol

You Took My Hibiscus Plant

Poem

the one with the ever changing colors

red, yellow, pink - tended daily by my hands

the ones that pulled poison from your jaws

the same digits that dialed 911 for you

by the fingers that scrolled thru texts to chris

by arms that defended against your wrath

—-

standing crooked, but flourishing and elegant

while you were away, fighting your demons

ripping at chords, yelling at nurses,

meddling with my colleagues and mind

screaming and spitting and using

creating a path of destruction all summer long

—-

the hibiscus was my constant

never missing a day of watering

feeding off the rising sun

growing taller, brighter, and stronger

never wandering, always responding kindly

faithful, serene

dancing for my eyes and soul

—-

but you bought it

and when you finally left

you demanded to take it

my eyes welled - it’s just a plant?

wanting to dig my heels in

i said “no”

but relented

“take it”

—-

you’ll likely never know

you took more than my hibiscus plant

you stole my trust and safety

all that it stood for to me

and now there’s just a cobweb and dirt

where it once rested

—-

i hope you don’t kill my hibiscus plant

like you did everything else

1 | 2

Posted Aug 14, 2022, 5:48 AM UTC · edited

1319
cobrakaiaccountant•

The feeling of giving yourself to someone and having to regret it. Of course, they say you shouldn't regret it because it is supposed to make you stronger. But shit still has to hurt to hell's own kingdom come.

4
skol_vikings_skolOP•

Thank you. I don’t necessarily regret it. However, living with an addict and abuser causes a lot of trauma. I could definitely go without having to deal with that anymore. I definitely know what I need to look out for better next time. I appreciate your comment.

2
cobrakaiaccountant•

That's awesome I have been there so very much. They by no means are bad but there is nothing wrong with wanting something more for yourself. I wish you the best of luck!

1
skol_vikings_skolOP•

Thank you. Sorry you had to deal with it as well.

2
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1
Turriv•

I love this, its an execlent reltable well writtem poem, theres no pretention here.

1
skol_vikings_skolOP•

Thank you. It’s the first poem I’ve ever written.

1
Turriv•

Keep at it, youve got talent!

1
skol_vikings_skolOP•

Aww. Thank you.

1
thelandofzzzz•

Gee wizz. So much was said with this. It sounds like pain.

You captured a human experience perfectly.

Indirectly articulate. Thank you for sharing.

1
skol_vikings_skolOP•

Thank you so very much ❤️

1
TerryJerryMaryHarry•

Honestly most OC poetry i don't care about and I'm just here to share my own. But I recently lost a friend, and it felt like they took a part of me. This really struck a chord with me

1
skol_vikings_skolOP•

I’m sorry you lost a friend - I hope it wasn’t to addiction. If it was, I’m sure it stung extra hard. You have my sympathies.

2
TerryJerryMaryHarry•

No, he is not dead. He went through trauma and broke off the friendship.

1
skol_vikings_skolOP•

I hope you both find peace.

2
TerryJerryMaryHarry•

Don't worry, I will never find peace, he was a brother to me. Send all your wishes his direction

1
vcrsquare•

Great job on expressing the emotion. It’s subtle yet elegant. I loved the first few lines, then I got lost in the middle and enjoyed the end. I think middle of the poem can use better words.

1
PersimmonFit350•

calm down and read some poetry (preferably mine)

-2
skol_vikings_skolOP•

I read all of your work so far. I’m sorry you’re hurting, but it seems like you’re currently under the influence while writing. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is triggering for me based on my circumstances. Also, telling someone to “calm down” while they’re sharing poetry isn’t very kind.

3