Plant

I had a friend in trouble
mood of loss and dust and rubble
I traded him a plant
he tried to say “I can’t”
But then I interrupted
with frank and strong instructions
Just put it in your window
and watch how your days grow
Give it sunlight, give it water
Feel its leaves grow ever stronger

I spent a month in trouble
life a mess and mind a muddle
Went and met my friend for lunch
He was bright and pleased as punch
Then he saw that I was down
and casting shadows all around
He shook my arm and made me stand
and out of his pocket pulled a hand
It held a softly smiling seed
That said “You gave me a good deed”

I tried to say “I can’t”
then he traded me a plant