VOICES ON THE INSIDE

While my body is confined
Within a chain linked fence,
My brain remains free
Imagining ways to create beauty.

Digging in the souls of those around
Shining rays of light when the clouds seem grey.
Using my gardening brain
Collaborating ideas that could bring
New wonder in the middle of misery.

Calloused hands from the harder days,
Attempting to bury the sorrow,
My heart carries.

Reminiscing on memories of time spent,
Learning lessons in our garden,
“Don’t water a lot honey, plants can’t swim.”
“Pull just the weeds, not the plants.”
“Spread your plants out, give them space to grow.”
“Always talk sweet and kind to your plants
And they will always bear beautiful
Flowers of love and produce, to nurture you always.”

Always grinning ear to ear,
When Mom praised for a job well done.
Looking back at my upbringing,
Keeping my mom close with the soil.
She still nurtures me, while I nurture our gardens.