Flowers and Aliens

Water is a scarce commodity in southern Zambia. We try not to waste a drop. When I finish washing and chopping fresh vegetables, I toss the leftover water onto the flowerbed by the back veranda. This routine apparently spread some tomato seeds. A lone tomato plant sprouted and began to flourish among the flowers.

I’ve watched this growth with interest. The tomato plant looks out of place—an alien mixed with the yellow coreopsis blooms. But it is a sturdy volunteer. The vine grew quickly and has even produced a few small fruits.

I feel a kinship with this misplaced tomato plant. I, too, am trying to grow in an alien environment. Like my tomato vine, I look very out of place in my surroundings. I struggle sometimes to fit in and find my place. My brave tomato plant is content to grow and produce fruit. I can have no higher goal.