the planting season

this time of man
i find beautiful
with
free range chickens
clucking old eighties tunes

resplendent
as father time
winds his watch
further into this new century

green onions growing
past drop biscuit clouds

the just before sunset light
setting the roses on fire

french holly hocks
teasing lavender moths
with their glow

the poppies are plumed triumphant
in their shameless display of fuschia

as i stoop in the garden
hair and earrings
falling toward
this gift
the earth

i smile peacefully
knowing this grace
will lead
to nothing less than stars