I am the sunny green basil
You grew in the terra cotta tureen by the north-facing window.

I started off light, sweet, tangy, refreshing.

You left me alone for too long.

And now I am bitter,
Biting,
Useless.

If you had tended me with care,
I would be always at your service,
Adding flavor to your sauces and meats.


But you neglected me,
And you've put me in your compost bin
With potato skins and banana peels
And I am good for nothing, no one.