Ruth by Stephanie Nygaard

I am Ruth

gleaning in the field,

pulling grass from the 

straw as a 

garden helper 

to my husband.

My only companion

is a black swallowtail

drinking greedily

from the asclepias. 

I would rather be 

taking pictures of the butterfly

than pulling grass.

But marriage is about 

sacrificial love.

I am Ruth 

while Boaz waters the trees.