I have a basil plant that sits on my sunniest window sill
It's not really just mine, but I'm the only one who remembers it is there

Day by day, I watch it wilt, stunt and burn
Unable to save it from the my own mind's sudden chill
(And the back of my mind is haunted by echoes of "when you have kids")

It takes in pain
From the darkness I breathe
Together, we will curl up in apathy

But somehow, its pale green stalks just won't give up hope
They stretch their twisted roots deep into the ground
And stake their stand
Clinging to, fighting for their lives
And so too will I

In the numbness, I feel a twinge of guilt
-
Today, I watered my basil plant
Trimmed its leaves
And gave it the love I breathe

It seems that we have both survived this frost and cold,
to grow another day.