Bulbs are very determined.

These were quiet in my closet for months, but eventually something – the passage of time? sensitivity to teeny temperature changes? – told them it was their moment. They began sending up shoots, oriented to gravity but not to light.

Since they were pretty tumbled around in the bag in the closet, they came out looking arthritic.  I felt sorry for them.

So I moved them into the sunlight and gave them water. They straightened right up and became what they were intended to be.

Such an easy metaphor – deformed and awry from lack of light and nourishment; upright, ready to bloom and be productive, when resources are applied.  No need to belabor the point.  Use it where you will – plants, children, relationships.  Good advice from an indoor garden.