Burnout

Rooted in place, too many things pulling at it. Instead of being nourished, it gives and gives. It withers, draws itself inward, yet the roots are still searching, still trying to give of themselves. It tore itself up by the roots and flew off, not knowing where it was headed. It crashed straight into a wall and fell to the ground. It lay there trembling, lost its leaves, unable to take root again. It was taken into arms and carried, placed in a pot of soil that kept all the noise away for a while. The roots were given peace to settle in. The flower lifted itself again, some days it even danced. The leaves began to grow, it reclaimed part of itself. Someday it will have to return to the garden, when the pot has served its purpose. In the garden, it is nourished and nourishes others. Living things long for the flower to return to the garden. But for now, it will simply be allowed to be.