Growing A Zinnia

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I did nothing but comfort my plants, till now their small green cheeks are covered with smiles. ~Emily Dickinson, American poet

I confess you were an afterthought,
A spur-of-the-moment something I bought.
I found you nestled in a dahlia patch,
Your color stood out from the rest of the batch.

I asked the clerk which one she’d choose.
With no hesitation, she pointed to you.
“I think you’ll be pleased” is what she said,
So I put you in my cart without any dread.

I planted you where you’d get sun and shade;
Watered you, guarded you, and often prayed
That you’d be happy living here with me
And wouldn’t long for what wouldn’t be.

Just look at you now, healthy and lush!
Your colors are radiant, making me blush.
For my part in helping you thrive and grow,
I couldn’t be happier; my heart is aglow.

Note: Poetry form is rhyming couplets.

21 thoughts on “Growing A Zinnia”

  2. This is such a happy poem/story! You’ve brought joy to each other … and to me! Such beautiful blooms!

  3. Debbie, both the photo of your Zinnia and cleverly written poem put a BIG smile on my face as I sipped my morning coffee. Their color is gorgeous!

    I’m so envious of your “green thumb” because that’s one thing I don’t possess. I love and appreciate plants, however, I haven’t a clue as to their care. I either over-water them or forget to water them, and then they die. I’ve even been know to kill SILK flowers. LOL!

    Hope you’re having similar weather as we are at the moment. Suddenly, the heat and humidity have dissipated; leaving us with what feels like Fall weather. It’s been in the 70s for the past four days and it’s been heavenly.

    Happy Sunday, my friend! X

    • You can KILL silk flowers?!? Ron, you crack me up!

      I know how blessed I am at being able to grow plants. I think it runs in my family. One of my uncles was a florist.

      I’m thrilled you’re finally getting some decent weather! For the past few days, we’ve dipped to the low 50s by night and the 70s during daylight hours … with much lower humidity. Of course, they’re predicting 90s for next week, so I guess as usual, summer isn’t willing to let go. I’m just glad the Canadian wildfire smoke has dissipated somewhat.

      Enjoy your week ahead! XX

  4. That’s quite a color! I really like it; it’s almost an ‘electric’ pink. I’ve heard that zinnias will forgive a good bit, making them a good choice for people like me, who can’t get really serious about gardening. I don’t have enough sun for them, but you clearly gave yours the sort of conditions they love. They repaid you by inspiring a poem!

    • ‘Electric’ is a great description for them, Linda! You know, when I bought this one, it had one stalk and one flower bud. I hated spending as much money on it as they were asking, but I figured I’d give it a chance. I’ve certainly been pleased at how prolific it is! Sadly, the butterflies haven’t discovered it yet, but I’ll bet when they do, they’ll be happy campers!

  8. Awwww, so sweet! I planted zinnia too. They are beautiful, out by the end of the driveway. I’m sure sometime they’ll turn up in the blog. Or on FB. Or somewhere.

    • Oh, wow — three weeks? That’s a long time without rain. Here’s hoping the skies open up for you to give you a break from the hose!

  10. I’m so glad your prayers were answered and the lovely zinnia is happy to be living with you! Her small green cheeks are indeed covered with smiles. 🙂 As always, your poem captures the wonders of the simple, joyful moments in our lives.

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