slicing the tops of the earth

slicing the tops of the earth
removing the touches of green,
cutting the rocks, stones, shoveling
the grey gravel making whooshing sounds
clearing the ground for a new way to see

we peer into the ways we have been boldly
selfish--serving our own mouths & tummies
without seeing our neighbors-- hungry without
winter garments--in the midst of changing cold
weather--freezing bones & flesh- without

either wisdom or ability to seek a solution
flexibility changes to stiff ropes left
out in the howling cold wind
no more even trying
rope--snaps

it's all over
this prayer perhaps will alter
the spiraling screw---down, down
into the bowels of the hard earth
the tiny shred of hope we hang on

a soft strain of a piano melody
the sight of sea gulls on green grass
in november,  when things are decomposing
a tiny sprout beneath a flat rock in the garden
just a few kind words from a friend

we stroll out into the cold grey morning
holding the kindnesses like a baby
careful not to drop--or lose our faith within
this onward and upward ascension--this cleaving
to our being selfless--kindness rocks,  not leaving

Kate Lamberg
11/19/12

katya's rock garden~photo by Kate Lamberg