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I Will Not Wear Purple
When I no longer have to go to work
I will not sit in tea shops
Wearing purple and a ridiculous red hat
Laughing too loud and trying too hard
To look carefree when what I want
Is more work:
Kept busy by needs in my family,
My church and my neighborhood.
Babysitting when a young mother needs a nap
And I have an empty lap to fill,
Cooking a meal for someone who cannot
And I have too much for myself,
Sitting with the ill when they are lonely,
And so am I.
When I no longer have to go to work
I will not draw flowers on plates
Or paint landscapes in watercolor,
But will get dirty and grow blooms
To take to those who need fragrant beauty
Instead of a picture on the wall.
I will trellis heirloom tomatoes
Simply to share a thick slice of rich flavor
When someone is hungry and needs to be filled.
When I no longer have to go to work
I will have plenty to do
Though my body fades and hair thins,
Though my voice weakens, and back is curved, still
My prayers will be continual
In praise of the One who made me;
Even when I no longer have to go to work,
Work will come to me.