April 19, 2016

Dear Red Tulip



I've been meaning to tell you this for quite some time now, but I just haven't known how to say it. Don't take this the wrong way, but you and I are just not going to work out.
You are very bright and beautiful in your own way, and if persistence won awards--gosh! You would have a teeny-tiny ribbon pinned to your stem.
It's really not you, it's me.
I'm just more of a pink/purple person, but I'm sure there are many others out there who would fall in love with your particular shade of bright red.

Every year when I've tried to dig you out it wasn't out of spite or resentment. Honest! I just wanted to find you a home where you could really be happy--a place where your brilliant color will be fully appreciated. Like, maybe the neighbor's yard. I've noticed she has some lovely yellow and red tulips blooming right now.  Just think! That could be you, surrounded by friends.

As it is, dear, you clash rather badly with the rest of your kind, just a slim strip of grass away:

In fact, you might notice you're not even in this photo.
Right.

So. Here's what we're going to do.
I'm going to come along with my shovel, fairly soon, and you are going to leave us for a better place. Again.
I don't want to sound threatening, or anything, but when it comes time to mow--which is going to happen soon--it will be too late. Whatever my personal feelings on the matter, there is just not room for the mower to cut the grass right there, and miss you.
I think it's safe to say that neither one of us would be very happy about that scenario.

So let's split up while things are still going well.
I'm certain that being apart will only strengthen our friendship.

Best regards,
The Gardener

p.s. Remember, this is "goodbye," not "see you later." T.G.

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