Seedling

Summary

The poem "Seedling" by Liv Pasquarelli explores themes of vulnerability, invasion of personal space, and the struggle to assert boundaries.

Abstract

"Seedling" is a poem that delves into the complexities of physical and emotional interactions, using vivid imagery such as "glass veins" and "knots and brambles" to convey the fragility and interconnectedness of human relationships. The author expresses discomfort with unwanted advances, comparing them to a painful and violating experience, yet acknowledges moments of safety and sexuality. The poem reflects on the difficulty of verbalizing rejection, highlighting the internal conflict and the protective silence that often ensues. It touches on the emotional toll of unacknowledged boundaries and the paradox of preserving one's sanity through the acceptance of situations that are less than ideal.

Opinions

The author feels invaded and misunderstood when personal boundaries are crossed.
There is a sense of frustration and resignation in the face of repeated invasions of privacy and space.
The poem suggests that the speaker often remains silent in the face of discomfort, prioritizing self-preservation over confrontation.
The author implies that the inability to say "no" is both a coping mechanism and a source of internal conflict.
The work conveys a deep desire for mutual understanding and respect within intimate interactions.

Seedling

A Poem

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Glass veins Pulled tight over my knots and brambles Pull my roots loose They want to intermingle with yours

A milky cat tongue covered with spines Running over my body Can be distracting, sometimes even violating Other times safe, on a good day, sexual

I don’t appreciate the invasion Of fingertips and pressing hips When my consciousness has left the building My spine can be an acorn under your shoe

Pain will shoot through me but you wouldn’t even know I’ve grown accustomed to telling lies by way of silence I need to protect what’s left of my sanity There’s constant cotton deep in the back of my throat

That swells from soaking up the fluid But only when I have to say no It keeps me alive but broken It gives me the most valuable gift

The gift of well… I didn’t say no They must not have known The gift of my sanity