Fall Cleanup Time
It is fall cleanup in my garden, Lord.
I'm feeling guilty, sad, lonesome and blue.
The grasses and the weeds have over-run
The lovely flowers planted there for you.
Is this a mirror of my life, dear Lord?
Have all my kinder deeds been overcome
By ugly thoughts and hurting acts and words?
Wild dandelion crowds out chrysanthemum?
Forgive me, Lord, if I have failed to tend
My garden in the manner that I should.
I'd claim the days I spent so foolishly
And use them gainfully now, if I could.
Now that I'm in the autumn of my years,
I hope to take each day I have in store
And spend each precious second of that time,
More usefully than I have done before.
And as I pull the baneful weeds and grass,
Removing each intruder one by one,
I hope to stand before you judgment day,
Well kept, weed free, with all my gardening done.
Joyce Johnson lives in the beautiful Skagit Valley of Washington State. She owns a small farm and rents her land to a bulb grower. She is surrounded by beauty in the spring from the tulips and daffodils that inspire much of her poetry. Joyce will celebrate her 95th birthday in July of 2013.
Dear Joyce, I love the way you describe getting rid of the "weeds" in our lives. Many of us try to do that through prayer, but you are surely "weed-free," my friend. Sandra and I both liked this poem. In fact she said, "Awesome. I couldn't have said it better myself." Indeed, that is so true. Much love to you, dear. Carolyn D.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful , inspiring piece written with an amazing measure of honesty . It can surely galvanize one to embark on a soul-searching journey.
ReplyDeleteDear Joyce, First, Happy belated birthday! This is a gift you've given to us...in these times of endless worries and problems, your poem "breathes" serenity! Thank you! Congratulations and God blessings. Love, Audrey
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jack Horne, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteLove this beautifully crafted write
I absolutely loved this meaningful poem. Getting rid of the weeds in our lives before we meet our maker is a task not easily accomplished but with God all things are possible. Thanks for a beautiful reminder and God bless you.
ReplyDeleteCharlene