My African Violets

My African Violets

by

Rose Ellen Kelly

With wide dark green leaves
And soft velvet violet petals, 
My African Violets are a joy to the eyes.
They love the morning light
And delight in the afternoon shade.
No need to make a fuss,
For they make no demands.
Just quench their thirst
Every seven to eleven days.

Now, dear Loretta has spied
My dear darling African Violets.
Slowly, Loretta drags her feet
To stand and gaze
Over my dear delicate plants.
Bending over my African Violets,
"Don't they need water?"
Oh, dear, sweet Loretta,
Please don't drown my dear plants.

With wide dark green leaves
And soft velvet violet petals,
My  African Violets attract Loretta.
There she stands and stares,
Desiring to water my dears.
"Don't they need water?"
"Let me feed your dears."
My dear delicate violets
Demand only to be left alone.

Note: Kevin's mother's health was not good and we heard from his sister often.  She couldn't work and take care of her mother.  So, Kevin took early retirement to move back to South Carolina to take care of his mother.  Kevin's sister wanted the help, but Loretta, his mother, did not want anyone's help.  She shuffled around slowly and fell often.  As she shuffled to my plants to stand over them and stare, I realized she was very much like my plants.  She did not want to be bothered.  She did not want us there.  She did not want anyone because she did not want us to see her bad health.  Loretta only demanded to be left alone - by her actions and cruel words.