An Ode To The Plant Stealers Poem by Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

Well, you took five plants from me
I don't know how many from my neighbors,
Or from my mother,
Which she started from seed...
It takes a heartless person to do
Such a deed!
Tell me, what is your basic need?

Does it me you happy
To destroy the beauty of another's creation?
Or does it give you some sensual sensation
To hurt those who toiled
to bring a smile to someone's lips
With a growing thing in the soil?

Does it give you pleasure
Making them your prey
Coming late at night
And even boldly during the day?
Yes, you have stolen the beauty planted
In our window boxes, hanging baskets and pots
But in the end, what have you got?

Just a constant reminder
Of someone's grief and labor of love
And though you hide them from us
There is a watchful eye above.
He sees all and knows all
and you can truly believe
The prayer plant you stole from me
Folds its arms at night
And prays even for thieves.

So keep on stealing
But make me a promise as you gloat
Of your plant thieving skill,
Somewhre down the road you can accept it
When God presents you His bill.


1976
Baltimore, Maryland