I got started gardening
with Roma and Beefsteak
seedlings freely given
from Sharon, in Maryland.
Two big pots I filled with earth
tomato stakes and green Velcro tape.
Sitting on the back deck
creeping up like the kudzu on the trees.
My grandparents always had a garden
they loved tomatoes.
I watched Chiraag in tenth grade
eat one like an apple
at lunch, most every day.
I don’t much care for tomatoes.
I ate my beefsteaks, halved
with salt and pepper.

I planted cucumber from seed
under the deck in ole Kentucky
two weeks before the twins were born.
In the hustle and bustle
of a toddler and two newborns
I forgot they were growing there
until I hit one clunk with the mower.
Those cucumbers were grown
out of sight, untended,
and we ate all twenty or more
in less than five days.

I took a year off gardening outside
grew some hydroponic basil and lavender.
I didn’t have the bandwidth
third shift and father of three
to do much other than refill water
and add plant food every other week.
Trimmed too much basil
my thirst for pesto unquenchable.
Dill and mint
outgrew their container.
I gave up the hydroponics
as soon as it was warm enough
this spring.

I have ‘matos growing on the back deck again.
Made a small front-yard garden
with peppers, basil, lettuce, radish
and of course cukes.
I water it daily,
spread coffee grounds around the base
none of it might grow.
Birds and squirrels, bugs and moles
they all want their piece.
It’s not only about the harvest.
They call it gardening. Planting.
Not harvesting and eating.
It’s about being in the sun
breathing in the crisp outdoor air
bare hands in the soil
soaking in the same things
the growing plants need.
Watching the cicadas deposit their cases
do they wish for a taste?
I hope I can grow some ‘matos and cukes
home grown produce
ruined the grocery for me.