#reading backwards

Gwen Harwood. Selected Poems. Oxford University Press, 1991.

Lately in my clearing,

I have been talking to my papa.

We have been living in strange times,

I have been angry

but he told me this will pass.

He's gone now.

I sit high in the branches of my favorite tree

and reflect on our conversation.

A garden cannot be grown in a day.

Weeds can sprout and that's okay.

Sometimes crops may freeze

or get plucked and eaten in the night.

He told me that's alright.

You worry, and that's okay.

He reminded me that it's enough that I try.

I told him that he inspires me every day.

I wouldn't think to plant my seeds

if it weren't for his unwavering kindness.

He reminds me that no one is perfect.

We all have feelings.

We all have breaking points.

It's best to take it easy.

I lose sight sometimes.

I forget to water or let the weeds overgrow.

He told me I'm too hard on myself

It's okay to make mistakes,

it leaves room for self growth.

I sigh and kick my dangling legs.

I wouldn't be this hard

on another gardener.

Be nice to yourself kid, rest easy.

The wind blows my hair from my face.

I tilt my head towards the sky and close my eyes.

A few birds occupy the branches above me.

I listen to them chirp,

giving their song to the wind.

I harmonize.

I like to think

that they accept me

as one of their own.

Maybe it's not so bad if they take some seeds

or snatch some of my plants.

I want everyone to be fed.

Written by AprilFool 🐸

MT#569 USASK ESL Class

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