Ice Cube

I got a plant for Mothers’ Day –
An orchid, snowy white.
I placed it on the windowsill
For steady, gentle light.

Instructions were mysterious –
“Avoid all drafts” – I get it;
But “Water with an ice cube”
Seems the weirdest way to wet it.

For in tropical environments,
Where orchids mostly grow,
Surely rainfall’s warm and misty
And there’s never ice or snow.

Though perhaps a subtle melting,
As the ice begins to trickle,
Is conducive to protecting
Plants so fragile, like a tickle.

So each week I place an ice cube
In the tiny pot to fill it
And I hope that the instructions
Aren’t causing me to kill it!