The red impatiens shriveled up today
And all but gave up hope
That I’d remember.

Their leaves clung bravely to the stalk
And hopeful buds strained
To hold their color.

When I finally saw their thirsty faces
And knew that they were
Near a drying end,

I left the sustenance of squash and
The needy green tomatoes
For the water hose.

The sweet red maidens will give to me
Another day or two of glory
For my eyes

And while I tend the required food
In the square kitchen garden
I’ll remember

To tend the delicacies God provided
For the palate of my heart
And thank Him.

Jody Day is a minister’s wife, home school mother of 6, musician, writer and children’s librarian. She has been writing since 5th grade when her first poem was selected to be put on the bulletin board in the hall at school. Her poems have appeared in Mature Living and Eveydaypoets.com. Read Jody’s devotions.