I Think of My Mother

I think of my mother in a garden.
She was a farmer's daughter. She knew
The touch of the earth and the way
Each planet grew.
Emerald peppers, ruby tomatoes,
Amethyst grapes on the vine...
These were her jewels, these were her treasures,
Lovely, fine.
I think of my mother in a garden:
Easter lilies, lilacs, phlox,
Blue violets, and portulaca
By our walks.
I think of my mother in a garden,
Loving it always, turning the sod -
My mother, farmer's daughter,
Eve, woman of God.

~ Jessie Cannon Eldridge