I planted my first garden this year
Tilled the soil
Added compost
Watered
Wood chips like a blanket
Watered
Waited
Pressed my selected seeds
Into the earth
In nice neat rows
Watered
Waited
Guarded with chicken wire
Rejoiced
Did an actual happy dance
in the front yard
Witnessed green heads
Peering up single file
Like kindergartners at the drinking fountain
Then I wept when those cute
fluffy thieves slipped under the fence
and gorged themselves on
the lettuce I was so eager to harvest
Determined
I reinforced
Bricks
Covered my little green chicks
With the feathers of my bird net
And I watered
Looked forward to every sunrise and sunset
When I checked and watered and guarded
And danced with delight
As the rains came and the sun
Directed more direct rays
One day, while harvesting spinach
I noticed you there out of line
In the woodland between rows
I almost plucked you
But your vestments look too, too
Intentional
I let you be
Curious about what you are
Today I took note: You’re two feet tall
I recognize your angular gown
Stitched round the edge in crimson
I am familiar with your round head
Veiled in youth
Expecting soon to see your red
Or golden face
Look. Two more of your volunteer kind
Out of line
Enjoying the benefits of my diligence
Reveling in the mystery of who planted you in my waiting years.