GARDENING

When May rolls back the water color sky of winter
The canopy of the northwest sky that shrouds and blankets
In all discomfort, keeping the cold close to earth.

When sunny days attempt to visit now as spring makes an effort
The gardens and the animals know long before us, we who live
In false heat and comfort, wait for darkness to lift it's heavy veil,
The light to enter, the birds to sing, we are nearer as the mornings
Grow nearer and nearer and lighter with light.

I lay here in my winter garden, a blue plastic tarp strung
Over my head, rope stretched to post, the candy cane design
Patterned around and around between tarp and post.
A brown tarp under my body stretched
I write this poem, aware of nature and happy!

Rain won't stop!  I want to pound in the metal posts deeper and deeper.
Rain falls from the sky without promise of blue patches or fluffy clouds or sun.
Still I'm dry and fairly warm though I could be warmer, fresh air surrounds me.
The fragrant community garden!  Is that grape that I smell in the damp, wet air?
If only the winds would hold still and I could perceive the fragrance.

From sage and lavender the witches yarrow conjures up the dream
Of my garden which in disarray before me confuses me and hides its essence.
So much to do!  I lay my head on my grass purse to watch the rain.