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