Relationships.. A gift I received for house warming Long leaves - pretty green and white A shiny copper pot I found Gave him a new home – from the black ugly plastic A connection had begun – 23 or so years ago Identity still unknown, non-essential by now. Through neglect and care we have survived A few burned tips, I thought the end was near But every couple of years a new shoot Surprised, I wonder at this being A friendship of chance forged The earth had its way with the copper pot Welted skin, ugly to see Put him in durable plastic once again Replanting would be the way to go Laziness won, gave him another sheath. May be the copper was the secret He asks very little of me Once a week, a cup to quench No fodder ever asked for No other fancy ever provided I let him be, and coexist A fleeting thought - Happy he is there For me to walk to every Friday For 23 years, and counting! Does he now know?, I wonder!