GARDEN PARABLE
Wet and heavy,
blanketed maple leaves
have passed the winter months
atop the hidden structure
of my waiting garden.
Today, my spirit sensed
hidden, all unseen,
the growth of daffodils
beneath the coated brown,
below the damp compaction.
Rake in hand, most gently,
I pull back the leafy mass
finding daffodils, indeed,
but yellowed, bent...
waiting for the light.
A gathering of robins watches,
waiting for me to bare
soil and worms
that they might feast
among the daffodils.
Leaning on my rake, I ponder
the daffodil-ness of me,
bent and yellow,
hidden 'neath the brown,
awaiting spring.
Lord, it is my prayer
You rake back from me
all that keeps me yellow,
all that makes me bent,
all that has been hidden from Your sun.
And in my coming greenness
may the robins of Your flock
feast among Your gardens,
finding food
where daffodils are free.
Jo Anzalone 3-27-2004
