Ripening
Sitting out back, admiring the garden
planted just a month ago, tomatoes
over-spilling frames, their branches laden,
blossoms heralding even more new growth.
Did what was necessary: worked the loam,
cleaved a path for steady afternoon light,
gave burrowing roots a wide berth to roam,
hauled out the hose and watered every night.
Now I must sow patience and step aside
let nature own the show — you know it’s true –
dig a hole in which to bury my pride,
let the gifts ripen, don’t pick them too soon.
Give mother sun, sister moon, their just due,
appreciate beginnings — endings, too.
* * *
Thank you LexPoMo family for the generous comments and close-readings of my poems. They weren’t all winners, but there are a few that I think could turn out to be keepers. This community means a great deal to me: I learn so much from you all. ‘Til next year!
24 thoughts on "Ripening"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
My favorite line in this sonnet was “Now I must sow patience and step aside.” A LexPoMo referencing action at play that was lovely throughout.
I really like that last stanza.
A lovely poem, Bill. There’s patience, admiration, and gratitude pouring from it.
I just love “dig a hole in which to bury my pride,
let the gifts ripen, don’t pick them too soon.”
Thanks for writing and sharing your poems with us this month. It’s been great to read them!
You bet, HA. Thanks for all the time you spent reading and commenting on my work. Really appreciate it!
❤️
Perfect poem to end LexpoMo! I will always be your biggest fan.
As Kevin might say, Thanks darlin! I do appreciate you so much!
I love the conversational wisdom here (“you know it’s true!) What a host of beautiful words you have given us this year. Thank you.
Thank you for the comments Sylvia and for reading my work. Greatly appreciated!
Perfect ending to the month! 👏
Love the last stanza. Thank you for sharing your poems, and for reading and commenting on mine as well. Have a great rest of the summer!
Love: “Give mother sun, sister moon, their just due,
appreciate beginnings — endings, too.
Great ending poem for this season of LexPoMo.
Thank you for sharing your work and for being a part of the conversation about my work.
Love your sentences. Wish I could winnow it all down so effectively. Thanks for the comments, Pam!
This is a perfect summer poem and I echo all the comments above especially Pam’s about the gorgeous last two lines. Thank you for your powerful work!
Thanks for the comment Quackstar! Appreciate it,
Talk about ripening, Bill—you have done it this month. There’ are obvious undercurrents of sadness and loss in your work, but also of acceptance, a growing maturity that is so moving I can barely stand it. Linda says above that she’s your biggest fan, but she’s wrong. I am.
Oh, you flatter me too much. It’s too hard to believe I might have fan(s). But I do appreciate the comment. And always respect your feedback. Thank you.
I always love reading your poems, and admire your work ethic posting daily. Best wishes to you and your ‘maters in the coming months!
Thanks, Austen! Don’t know if it’s work ethic or OCD — maybe both!
Beautiful reflection on this garden/LexPoMo community!
No digging holes too deep– your month of incredible poems must move beyond Kentucky– they, and you, deserve many publishings! And let me know when a book gets published. . .
I will miss you.
Exemplary writing and such finely-wrought craft. Ripening into the last two lines: “ Give mother sun, sister moon, their just due,/appreciate beginnings — endings, too.” They are cycling in my heart. I say this poem’s a keeper, Bill. Learned much and much to learn from your poetry. Be well till our paths meet again
Doing the hard and valuable work, Bill! Your poems are always illuminating to me! I’ve enjoyed being in this community with you!
Your poetry entwines nature and wisdom! I enjoyed reading them!
This is a well-wrought poem of experience and awareness. You see things clearly and express them skillfully, Bill. It’s been a real pleasure reading your work, and I value and appreciate your feedback. May your garden thrive.