I think I should have looked her in the eye;

That would have shown I’d healed, that I was confident,

A woman ready to take on the big bad world.

Instead, I spent each session staring at that plant,

A yucca in the corner, drooping slightly

But always being there for me, when conversations

Lulled into an awkward silence or

The tears began to flow. As painful breaks

And buried hurt come bubbling to the top.

It was not Sophie, the kindly therapist,

Who held my eyes, it was that plant,

The yucca in the corner standing solidly.

I attended therapy sessions for several years and my strongest memory of those Wednesday mornings are of the yucca plant that stood in the corner of the room.

I’ve always had problems with looking people in the eye as I speak to them. I don’t know whether that’s because I feel shy or because there is something a bit darker bubbling below the surface. After all, our eyes give away so much of ourselves.

Even today, I spoke to my boss and as I walked away, I realised that I had spent the entire time talking to the shelving unit just behind her. I just hope that these people don’t think I’m being rude.

Whatever my reasons, I will always remember that yucca plant and all the deep, dark secrets that I told it over those two and a half years. I could have just gone to Homebase and bought my own plant to talk to; it could have saved me a couple of grand…

Much Love

Rachel xx