Begonias are really pretty
We've got them growing on our porch
They smile at us each morning
Even when summer sun does scorch
I don't know what they do all day
Tell each other dirty stories
Nod their heads or bask in the sun
Or wave at all passing lorries
They glare at rows of plants next door
Smirking in plastic tub bought cheap
Careful not to make too much noise
Pretending they are fast asleep
Automobiles don't worry them
My wife waters them every day
Careful that they each have fair share
Talks softly as they splash and play
Neighbors in stitches watching us
Sitting on porch suits us fine
We can't have kids that's the reason
Assists us cope without crying
Image found at https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/begoniaimexed-doubles/classid.2000015185/
Long may you both water the begonias - who cares what the neighbours think
ReplyDeleteI love thinking of the begonias, waving, glaring, smirking.........then the tone turns poignant, learning the couple cant have children, the wife tending her blooms with such tenderness. As i cant have dogs in my rental, my blooms bring me extra pleasure, as they give me something living to care for. So i relate to this poem very well.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this poem. When my mother was the only one left in my childhood home (my father had died) she took care of plants. She loved them. She had flower boxes on the front porch. One morning she woke up and someone had stolen them. She was devastated. They were her 'kids.'
ReplyDeleteThat last stanza is difficult to read, but heartfelt. I enjoyed hearing about the day in the flower's life. I think they also do a lot of growing.
ReplyDeleteGossipy begonias! Love the way this feels completely true to porch blooms. :)
ReplyDeleteI do think finding solace in flowers is a way to cope... maybe gardening is a bit like being a poet.
ReplyDelete“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”
― Cicero
My vote is for begonias that tell dirty stories. The others are too tame for me!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of begonias gossiping!❤️ Beautifully portrayed, Robin.
ReplyDeleteha - I think I like these begonias - I wonder what my mums are whispering when I am not paying attention. smiles.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I can't have children either. The roses are his children, the veggies are mine. I love how your wife tends to the flowers so faithfully
ReplyDeleteI love the personification of your flowers. There is so much more that life has to give us all.
ReplyDeleteBegonias don't tell dirty stories...they are prim little nana flowers. You're confusing them with venus fly traps.
ReplyDelete...nurturing takes many forms. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the personification of begonias. When you care for plants they do seem to take on little human qualities.
ReplyDeleteI, also enjoyed your begonias' lives. I love plants like this, too. My husband makes fun of my green babies, but I don't mind.
ReplyDeleteTouching.
ReplyDeleteI love thinking about these begonias as the mischievous characters you've outlined here; and then it all suddenly takes on a completely different meaning in those last lines. So very moving.
ReplyDeleteI love watching lorries and telling dirty jokes, splashing in color like kids at play.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what they do all day
ReplyDeleteTell each other dirty stories
Nod their heads or bask in the sun
Or wave at all passing lorries - that is fabulous!!! LOL!