Let's Get Dirty

Come, let’s get dirty

Not with dirty dirt

But with garden-dirt

Gardening dirt is different, you see…

It cleanses the mind and sets the heart free

It’s a soil-carpet solace

It’s a simple, safe touch

When the care and the clutter

Of this life is too much

It’s a beckoning beach

On an ocean of dreams

It is therapy for stress

Enchanting hope-streams

It is better than a psychiatrist

Yet it won’t cost a dime

All it takes is some energy

And sweet sun-kissed time

In the company of roses

Or zucchini and garlic

…or the chatter of children

Discovering its magic

It’s a haven of sorts

Built of fruit on a vine

Of vegetable beauty

Of rain and sunshine

Of love and of labor

Of patience and trust

A table for neighbors

Sprouting from the dust

It’s a vision of perfection

On the threshold of June

It’s a mini-vacation

On a slow afternoon

It’s a stroll for no reason

On earth’s humble sod

It’s the pearl of the season

It’s the whisper of God

Its spring, summer, autumn

With life-lessons to show

For a man cannot gather

What he does not sow…

…so come, let’s get dirty

In the cleanest of dirt

In a garden; it is simply

A small heaven on earth…

© Janet Martin