The Rewards of Gardening: A Poem

Breaking stone-like ground,

Moving slow along this acre,

Hopeful plans abound.

Sweating early before sun start,

Loamy earth is turned from clay,

All day long he won't depart

Not before sky edges gray.

In humble dirt seeds are buried;

Mysteries of earth's bounty,

Mounds and rows careful divvied,

Seeds planted in strict boundary.

Patience strengthens as time passes,

Spring and Summer give their blessing,

Both hands and heart nature kisses

Soil and rain with sweat is blended.

Finally, when the growing ends,

But work has not at all.

Faithful toiling now commends,

To the gardener, a harvest to befall.

The growing season now is past,

A stock of food is stored.

But something else has been amassed,

A richer soul the true reward.