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Tend to What Matters

Luciana Fisher

Free Verse
Friendships and relationships,
Like flowers and plants,
Will wilt without care.

We’re all in charge of watering,
Of letting the light in.

Look for the warning signs—
Drooping leaves,
Fading petals.

When you see them,
Take the time to:
Recut the stems,
Warm the water,
Sprinkle some sugar.

And watch—
When nurtured,
How they grow.

About this poem

Relationships can be like flowers—needing care and attention to bloom and flourish, while friendships are like plants—growing steadily and offering long-lasting support. The theme is not new, but I hope my take is. This poem reflects the effort required to help them thrive. Neglect them, and their beauty will quietly slip away.

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Written on January 14, 2025

Submitted by @Lbfisher on January 14, 2025

Modified by @Lbfisher on January 14, 2025

21 sec read
254

Quick analysis:

Scheme XXX XX XXX XXXAA XXX
Closest metre Iambic dimeter
Characters 339
Words 72
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 3, 2, 3, 5, 3
Full analysis for Tend to What Matters »

Luciana Fisher

 · 1982 · Niteroi RJ

Luciana Fisher is a Brazilian-American immigrant, rising poet, and passionate writer currently pursuing a BA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Economics at New York University (NYU). After graduating with honors from BMCC and earning an associate's degree in the Arts of Economics, she reignited her passion for poetry, which helped her in overcoming challenges after a cancer diagnosis. Her writing explores themes of identity, vulnerability, personal growth, and the intricacies of communication through poetry and prose. more…

All Luciana Fisher poems | Luciana Fisher Books

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Discuss the poem Tend to What Matters with the community...

9 Comments
  • yelskwah
    yelskwah
    The poem's strength lies in its ability to convey profound truths through simple and accessible imagery. You've skillfully used the metaphor of gardening and a gentle, encouraging tone to create a poem that is both comforting and insightful. 
    LikeReply17 days ago
  • Dianejean57
    Dianejean57
    Beautiful well done.
    LikeReply 126 days ago
  • Byfaithjaynak
    Byfaithjaynak
    I agree with your words relationships must be nurtured
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • mark.e.s
    mark.e.s
    very sweet
    LikeReply 21 month ago
  • Vixility
    Vixility
    The language here is lovely, the metaphor perfect, the message: one hundred percent agreed!
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • ThembieAngieeMt
    ThembieAngieeMt
    This poem is simple yet deeply meaningful. The metaphor of relationships as flowers is timeless, but your take feels fresh and gentle. I love the reminder that small acts of care can make all the difference. A beautifully thoughtful piece! 
    LikeReply 31 month ago
    • @Lbfisher
      @Lbfisher
      Thank you! I was tending to Sylvia, my oldest plant, when this poem came to me, from wherever poems come, while I reflected on "The Death of a Friendship." I appreciate you.
      LikeReply 21 month ago
    • ThembieAngieeMt
      ThembieAngieeMt
      my pleasure
      LikeReply 11 month ago
  • Akinpet23
    Akinpet23
    Deep and skillful use of words and imagery
    LikeReply 31 month ago
    • @Lbfisher
      @Lbfisher
      Thank you. Welcome to my little inner universe! :)
      LikeReply 11 month ago
  • BellaTheMilkCarton
    BellaTheMilkCarton
    nice
    LikeReply 21 month ago
    • @Lbfisher
      @Lbfisher
      Thank you, Bella! I appreciate you.
      LikeReply1 month ago
  • philmaund
    philmaund
    Very true! And well worth the effort. But you also have to know when to walk away.
    LikeReply 32 months ago

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"Tend to What Matters" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 16 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/209960/tend-to-what-matters>.

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