On Weeding

I learned three lessons from my father the master gardener.  

As I kneel to breathe in the fragrance of rich earth, 

Separating beneficial from non-beneficial,

I hear his wise words.

One:  know well the plants that don’t serve you; dig them up by the roots, so they won’t return to haunt you and your garden.

Two:  shake off every bit of precious earth clinging to a weed’s roots; let the black gold fall back into the rich soil.

Three:  be gentle with the noble earthworm rising briefly from his tunnels; release him to burrow back into the dark and continue his work; he’s the earth’s friend, and yours.