Ode to the Kentucky Wonders

This was my first year growing green beans.  My son started them in pots and we transplanted them in late spring.   Today, I pulled the tired, shriveled plants out of the ground.  The last crop had only a few beans (see photo).  The leaves were brown; the flowers wilted in the chilly nights.  It was time.  They served us well and we enjoyed their fruit for many months.  With thanks to the Kentucky Wonders...

My bean plants, my bean plants

I’ll miss you so.

You gave and you gave and I

Regret that you must go.

It is the end of the season and

You produced such a crop.

We’ve eaten and eaten and

Now we must stop.

I said my good-byes as I

Pulled up your stalks.

I thanked you and blessed you

for talking the talk.

Your children will flourish

Next year when I sow

Your seeds in the well tended

Earth where they’ll grow.

Good-bye and thank you my

Kentucky friends.

I’m proud to have known you

Right up to the end.