Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Myra Cohn Livingston’s "Tomato Time" is a sensory-rich and engaging poem that captures the anticipation and delight of harvesting a ripe tomato. As an acclaimed children's poet, Livingston structures the poem with rhythmic precision and vivid imagery, making it accessible and evocative for young readers. The poem celebrates the natural cycle of growth, the transformation of color, and the simple yet profound joy of tasting a freshly picked fruit.

The poem begins with an image of tomatoes ripening on the vine:
"On a summer vine, and low, / The fat tomatoes burst and grow;"
These opening lines immediately ground the reader in a specific time and place—summer, where growth is abundant. The phrase "burst and grow" conveys both the inevitability and the energy of the ripening process. The tomatoes are described as "fat," a word that suggests both health and fullness, emphasizing their readiness to mature. The detail that they grow "low" connects to the way children might encounter them—within easy reach, fostering a sense of discovery and participation in nature’s cycles.

The next lines track the transformation of color as the fruit ripens:
"A green, a pink, a yellow head / Will soon be warm and shiny red;"
Livingston’s listing of colors mirrors the slow but steady change that tomatoes undergo as they mature. The phrase "a green, a pink, a yellow head" suggests individuality, as if each tomato has its own unique character. By concluding with "warm and shiny red," she emphasizes both the visual appeal and the sensory pleasure of ripeness, making the moment feel tangible and inviting.

The anticipation builds with the next stanza:
"And on a morning, hot with sun, / I'll find and pick a ripened one."
Here, Livingston captures the excitement of harvesting. The phrase "hot with sun" reminds the reader of summer’s intensity, making the setting feel immediate and alive. The use of "I’ll find" highlights the personal experience of discovery, reinforcing a sense of connection between the child and nature.

The poem concludes with a moment of pure sensory indulgence:
"Warm juice and seed beneath the skin— / I'll shut my eyes when I bite in."
This final image immerses the reader in the texture and taste of the tomato. The description of "warm juice and seed beneath the skin" conveys a rich, tactile experience, making the tomato’s freshness almost palpable. The act of "shutting my eyes" suggests deep enjoyment, as if the experience of tasting the tomato is so pleasurable that it requires complete focus.

As a children’s poem, "Tomato Time" succeeds in engaging young readers by using familiar imagery, simple yet effective rhyme, and a rhythmic flow that mirrors the natural unfolding of the tomato’s growth. Livingston transforms an ordinary moment—the ripening and picking of a tomato—into a celebration of nature’s gifts. The poem encourages children to observe, anticipate, and appreciate the simple pleasures of the natural world.

At its core, "Tomato Time" is a joyful reflection on patience and reward. It captures the delight of seeing a change occur, the satisfaction of harvesting, and the sensory pleasure of tasting something fresh from the vine. In doing so, Livingston encourages children to slow down, to notice the details of the world around them, and to find wonder in everyday experiences. The poem’s gentle rhythm and warm imagery make it not only a celebration of nature’s bounty but also an invitation to savor life’s simple joys.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...