We work in a hospital
Faithfully
Like the tomato plant
Serving a garden community

Green, then yellow, then orange,
With stretch marks, bites and pits
Often lumpy and bumpy,
Our fruits are juicy and rich

We grow among the other plants
The slim chili peppers and the beans
These others grow
Perfectly the same, it seems

These plants seemed to work harder
Efficient and streamlined
Diligently, these experts
Bear produce on their vines

And there we are, the tomato plants,
Scolding ourselves constantly
Not yielding perfect fruit
Despite working productively

Neighbors are thankful
For the many gifts, as am I
Yet, I wonder why we plants
Ignore the gratitude passed by

Trying to fit in with
The lettuce and peas,
We still yearn to grow
As tall as the trees.

Poetry Thursdays is an initiative that highlights poems by medical students and physicians. If you are interested in contributing or would like to learn more, please contact our editors.

Vaama Patel (1 Posts)

Contributing Writer

WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine

Vaama Patel is a fourth year medical student from WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine who enjoys exploring cities, meeting new people, and hearing good stories.