vegetable spirits

poetry

I don’t have all the same reasons as Wendy Cope to appreciate a quiet life, but I do share her contentment with a garden that is growing and someone to stay home with. And you can call me a happy cabbage if you want to.

Being Boring
‘May you live in interesting times.’ Chinese curse

If you ask me ‘What’s new?’, I have nothing to say
Except that the garden is growing.
I had a slight cold but it’s better today.
I’m content with the way things are going.
Yes, he is the same as he usually is,
Still eating and sleeping and snoring.
I get on with my work. He gets on with his.
I know this is all very boring.

There was drama enough in my turbulent past:
Tears and passion – I’ve used up a tankful.
No news is good news, and long may it last.
If nothing much happens, I’m thankful.
A happier cabbage you never did see,
My vegetable spirits are soaring.
If you’re after excitement, steer well clear of me.
I want to go on being boring.

I don’t go to parties. Well, what are they for,
If you don’t need to find a new lover?
You drink and you listen and drink a bit more
And you take the next day to recover.
Someone to stay home with was all my desire
And, now that I’ve found a safe mooring,
I’ve just one ambition in life: I aspire
To go on and on being boring.

–Wendy Cope

9 thoughts on “vegetable spirits”

  7. Oh, I do love this poem. I think I may have to copy it into my Book of Favorites. I’m a happy cabbage too in my boring lil life. Thank you Gretchen Joanna.

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  9. Oh yes, I do identify with her! I like having a nice fella to stay home with, and I’m glad I don’t have to go that kind of party anymore!! I’m not much of a gardener, but otherwise, I do identify 🙂 Thanks for sharing, GJ!!

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