Memorable B-Sides: Maggie Callow’s “Sunflower”

by Blayde Alcabes

The Memorable B-Sides series spotlights writing and art submitted to us that weren’t selected for print, but that are fantastic in their own right. Each introduction tells you why we returned to the piece. As a disclaimer — we aren’t experts, only fans offering possible interpretations.

Regardless of the underlying reason, I find myself often making an effort to maintain or develop my relationships with others — platonic and otherwise. But sometimes I question whether my ongoing search for comfort is detrimental to the end result that I’m seeking. Although it’s not inherently harmful in nature, a pursuit of someone (or maybe just the feelings they provide you with in the moment) can abruptly become more of a struggle than a means to genuine fulfillment. Maggie Callow effectively defines such an experience in her five-line poem “Sunflower.” Through a reenvisioning of the seemingly undisturbed image of a sunflower, Callow appears to acknowledge the pervasively desperate human desire to establish meaningful connections.

“Sunflower”

I feel like a sunflower

Straining and turning to reach the sun

I want to feel your warmth

And I will warp myself

To feel your presence