Sunday, April 1, 2012

Vines.

Vines grow everywhere in our backyard.
They spread quickly and can thrive in the worst conditions. And, of course, they're hard to get rid of. When I think I've pulled them all, there's this one tiny root stuck in a crack in the wall that's waiting until the coast is clear to spread again. It's a never ending fight.

Vines can only feed off the strength of others. If there no other plants or anything else to cling to, no matter how far they spread, they're stuck on the ground. But when they find a plant, or wall, or anything that rises above them, they grab onto it, hold it tight and follow it up as far as it goes.
Some people are like vines. When someone starts growing on your own strength they try to latch onto you and climb as far as your efforts will take them.
But vines are smart. They've learned they can't totally choke you out. They've realized they can't reach the heights they want to if you're not there to keep them up. They need you. So they let you continue to grow. But your growth is slowed now because your vines are weighing you down.
The irony is, when vines do reach as high as they need to, they actually have the potential to achieve something, in their own small way and finally get the attention they want.
Vines are survivors. You can't argue that. But it's a sad existence. They can only shine if they can climb up on the shoulders of others.

22 comments:

  1. I LOVE this blog post! Brilliant!!!!!!! (don't hate on the exclamation points k?)

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    1. Never. They emphasize my alleged brilliance.

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  2. i know plenty of vines. Luckily, we only have to support them as much as we want to. They only have the power that we give them.

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    1. True dat. It's just a matter or shaking the buggers off.

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  3. I LIKE this post too. Vines also suck the life out of their hosts.
    I'm sure there is a metaphor somewhere.

    Don't read "The Ruins", too many evil vines.

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    1. The truth in that metaphor does not escape me.

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  4. I hear you...It really sucks to accidentally marry a vine also..You think you can tame the vine but that never happens..you have to cut yourself out and move on.

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    1. you're right. Coworkers and friends are one thing, but it's hardest when it's someone close to us.

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  5. Now you've got me thinking about the various people in my life that are vines.

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    1. They shouldn't be too hard to find. Look for the ones who leave you feeling drained of life from just being around them. That's my method.

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  6. All I can think about right now is wine and how it totally grows on you too. Wine comes from a vine. And hey Immapoet!

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    1. Wine is good. I like wine. Need some after dealing with those vines.

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  7. you live in a mystical shire...or is it a hamlet?

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  8. Great pics, and totally true about some people being like vines.... and others are like weeds, although they tend to be not that bright and easy enough to lose in a crowd when you so choose....

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    1. Usually, but mine, at least, have an annoying way of finding me again.

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  9. Great subtext. Makes me curious. Well written.

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    1. Thanks. I've been doing some thought on it myself.

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  10. Wow. What an allegory. Or is it fable? Analogy? Anyway, nicely done. I am trying to look inwards and see whether I have been vine-like...

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    1. I thought about that too. I don't think I've been. At least, if I ever was I'll try not to be from now on.

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  11. I've hacked away at some clingy vines in my life.

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    1. If the cops ask, that was totally a figure of speech, right?

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