The tentative gardener

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Tue, 21 May 2024
  • 816 reads
14 comments
 

He took out his seeds to sow
and planted them all in a row,
then waited and hoped they would grow
with leaves soon emerging to show
roots healthy were fattening below
– a crop of crisp carrots he’d like to lift
but there was no sign of a juicy gift.
Of leaves peeping through there were none
awhile,
and then at last there was one
which grew a few more – little shoot
to feed one orange tap-root
–
but when it was time
to take from the ground
he found
such a surprise –
the tiniest size
and wonky,
misshapen:

it was solemnly eaten,
and as he fed,
he said
’I’ll plant something else now instead!’

[IP: must contain a surprise, a disappointment and a vegetable]

 

Certificate U
Poem
Nature
Humour
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

This is such a brilliant poem Rhiannon, it reminds me of the many disappointments I've had at growing carrots. They can appear to look so healthy and enticing to pull up, but what comes out is just a stubby short carrot, not at all like the carrots you find in the supermarket. But I have to admit the taste of carrots grown with my own hands taste so much better.

I just had to smile when I read your I P. Brilliant idea. smiley

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jenny. I think they must be a bit uncertain to grow, various factors like soil type and exact watering and temperature needs maybe. Yes, home-grown stuff is always a delight! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I think this is what happened in my only attempt to grow carrots : ). A good IP response, thank you Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. It is sort-of based on a true story. Many seem to have difficulty with carrots and surprising or disappointing results. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

"..the tiniest size
and wonky,
misshapen.."

So much drama in so few words, Rhiannon. And a positive finale in let's plant something else instead. The rollercoaster emotions of gardening. Enjoyed :)

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Lovely comment! Thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

A nice one Rhiannon; and it reminded me of our attempts to grow carrots (why?) it must have been the stony ground because they always came out mishapen! Like spuds - just buy at the shop!

Dougie Moody

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

It seems many have particular problems with carrots! I know my husband grew potatoes one year. I don't think we had a lot, but he enjoyed the relaxation and eating what we got! And he has been experimenting with 'chitting' some potatoes this year, but they don't seem to be developing very quickly! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

My Dad, who grew ginormous carrots, said kindly, when my carrots were very small and weird shapes growing in the heavy clay here, that carrots like sandy soil, because it is easier for them? I sympathise very much with your poem and like Paul, appreciated the positive ending!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I don't think the soil these were put in was particularly clay-ey, but there may have been other factors eg acidity, or temperature, or bad seeds … ? Your father must have enjoyed pulling up his carrots! My daughter-in-law had some success and the little girls were very impressed when carrots emerged even if they weren't very big! Thanks, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

I operate on the carrot and stick. Good results. Good on the IP Rhiannon! Maybe I should try my hand hand never did an IP.

I still wonder what colour a carrot is when it is still in the ground?

Not feeling too well ... All the best! Tom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Hope you feel better soon, Tom. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Thanks! See you &&