Neglect Poem by Heather Z. Hanna

Neglect whithers all but the toughest cacti
And what cacti is considered beautiful?
Hardened, fiercely protected
Needing nothing more than an inkling
Of life to survive.
But I am not that.
Neither hard nor thorn protected
Warmth from sun's embrace.
Thirst quenched from rain's kiss.
Soft air touching to breathe free.
Loose soil for stretching roots.
This is what is needed.
I will whither without your attention.
So do not be surprized if
That the wind blows away my dust
From where I once was thriving
Because you have not been there
To watch the decline.
A shadow may be all I leave
That may not even be seen
By your uncaring eyes.


(5.7.7/Meaning?)