The Withered Garden
There is a withered garden many people do not see,
They walk passing around it, very busily.
Past parched grasses, withered blooms
Shades of tan and palest gray, all colorless and dried.
Water’s not been shared or granted, in a long, long time.
Within the garden’s many trails,
trampled mud paths show,
Busy travelers seeking shortcuts, rushing to and fro.
The chain-link fence, half-broken down
Keeps little children out; for the lonely little garden
Is just not safe to play around.
Broken glass and rusty nails lay scattered throughout,
Even little creatures know – it’s not safe to stray about.
While on the sidewalk, others bane to walk swiftly past.
The aroma from feral animals and human garbage makes them gasp.
This sad and lonely corner served a purpose once before;
It was a haven from the summer heat, a section of retreat –
A place of momentary calm where people came to meet.
Pausing, to pass the unhurried time, a place to lie
in sweet soft grass and watch billowed clouds race by.
I remember how lovers sauntered
holding tightly; hand in hand,
Building memories of their early love
With fragrance all around.
And yet, the garden is not tended.
This refuge lay in ruins,
Its purpose lost: discarded,
just a nuisance walked around.
What happened to this little place of serenity and calm?
Is this not a loss to all walking by this storied ground?
Why can we not rebuild it?
Remove all fences, plow the ground?
Plant grass and seed for flowers.
Add a fountain, maybe Benches,
with shade trees placed around.
Everyone needs a garden,
filled with peace and calm to share.
A safe and welcome feeling –
Loves the language spoken here.
It welcomes all who cross your path
seeking comfort, peace, and calm.
For every soul’s a garden with
such rest and beauty there!
Open wide acceptance
Share one cup of water.
Build blessings for a lifetime,
Cultivate each heart with care.
Become that lovely garden,
open graciously to all,
A refuge of peace
On life’s busy street,
for everyone to share
02/28/2019
Copyright © Mary Kate Marozas | Year Posted 2021
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