An Ode to My Plants

A pothos plant living the best way it knows how. [Photo by Kelsey Brown on Unsplash]

One of my favorite things is to observe pothos leaves unfurl.

They’re tiny, tight cocoons, bursting with green and the promise of zest.

Every day, the cocoon loosens just a bit, and by the end of the week, a shiny, brand new addition decorates the vine further. Oh, what a joy it is to watch life.

Over the pandemic, I’ve added approximately 15 plants to my…collection, and it feels homey to take care of something. Since we’re not allowed pets where I live, life finds a way via emerald oxygen-makers that happen to take care of me, too.

Each week, these plants — from vines to succulents to ones with names longer than my own — help me carve out 10 minutes of quiet solitude while, paradoxically, fostering togetherness between me (the waterer) and them (the drinkers). That time spent nourishing them nourishes me.

Each day, my eyes flit from plant to plant, and I just smile. They are quite literally life givers, and remind me that gratitude is in simple things.

Thanks, plants, for existing.