Reflections

Stone slabs meander through the yard

a pathway deeper into the garden

winding into the cedars

spring slips into summer

sun and warmth release a melody of scents

a flash of red, a cardinal singing a solo

a woman lost in thought works in the green

reflecting on sad and happy moments she’s known

parties where her drink was left untouched

silver at a tennis tournament

arguments followed by roses, left to wilt

first place in a photo contest

tormented moments where she stood alone bruised and grieving

birth of her children, promises for fresh tomorrows

estrangement from a father who never knew her

acquiring new methods of handling disappointment and success

through the soil and toiling a garden the classroom of these new lessons learned

I cultivate my garden, and my garden has cultivated me