Man, Woman, First Garden,
First Seeds create
pleasure, children, conflict.

A demanding child,
the garden pulls strength
from sun, water, soil.

Tomatoes, zucchini, peppers,
yellow squash, fight for space
with spurge, parasites, weeds.

Summer light reflects hues
of reds, greens, yellows,
stores energy for growth.

Hands in soil, patience,
toil, touch garden
and gardener’s soul.

The garden’s bounty shares
with keeper, family, friends
insects, squirrels and sparrows.

Garden plot measured out,
a structure for growth
as chaos awaits.

Weather makes a pact: Garden,  
root early, survive my rage
and you will thrive.

A garden is born
death awaits,
create ashes for re-birth.

© by Erle Kelly.
Used with the author’s permission.