19/30 Phototropism

We are biologically programmed

To yearn for daylight

But growth is a function of shade

Not sun

On the dark side, growth is driven

Auxins

Rich hormones causing cell elongation

Out-pacing the sunny side

Stem bending gradually sunward

Leaves broadside to the light

The same light that stunts growth on one side

Brings health to the whole organism

It's always the way

Doctor says to be healthy
Lose weight

We eat fewer calories

Starve our metabolism

Store less energy as fat

Counterintuitive, yet practical

We prune trees back to make them grow

Accelerate into a skid

Give stimulants to calm nerves

And take the New Jersey Turnpike in the hope of getting there faster

Who knows why,

But somehow, it works

A life full of solutions we would never expect

Til we breathe our last

Close our eyes to the sun

And let our souls walk

Toward the light.