Homework for September - A GARDEN OF WORDS

[Maureen K Clifford]

A GARDEN OF WORDS … Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBarkPoet



When other friends oft’ received flowers
I was always the one who got none
Though at times this would make me unhappy
I’d ponder on what I hadn’t done
To make me so unworthy of getting
A dazzling floral display
Though I had confessed I liked them growing
Rather than being stolen away.



So I set out to plant my own garden
Choosing blooms that were special to me
And whilst some of them grew lush and flourished
There were others that didn’t you see.
And I figured ‘twas kind of like friendships
Some friends stood the passing of time
Whilst others who didn’t quite make it
slowly withered and died on the vine.



Seasons change every year – Mother Nature
Has control of weathers rise and fall
So do we in our lives if we’re honest …
Do we give of our best overall?
Just as Springtime unlocks all the flowers
To share their magnificent display
Do we open our hearts up to others
Make them all welcome here come what may?



I consider the whole world a garden
And consider our world home to all
Everyone just gets one chance at living
though sadly much doesn’t enthrall –
But one has to keep some perspective
Not give in to despair or to hate
Just hold fast to ‘the whole world’s a garden’
And we’re all of us gardener’s mate.



We cannot cure all of her ailments.
And neither can we cure all ills.
But our own bit of turf – we must value its worth
And eliminate our toxic spills.
If the whole world would just nurture their patch
What a beautiful garden we’d see
And the warmth and the brightness of sunshine
Makes me happy as happy can be.



So on those days when life’s overwhelming,
When the worlds happenings make me glum
I try to always find a bright side
When the moon fades then in comes the sun
I give thanks for my family and friendships
And I’m grateful for the gifts I can share,
We can all add a little to each day
My hope is that my words show I care.



04.09.2023

[Ron]

A garden of words for sure Maureen, and very well crafted! (or propagated! )
I love the analogies you have portrayed of the garden and how we live our lives! We could all learn a lot from that. (as John Lennon said: 'Imagine')
A really enjoyable read, thank you.
Cheers
Ron.

[Catherine Lee]

What Ron said! ...A lovely poem, Maureen - we may not be able to influence the whole world at large, but we can all take charge of our "one bit of turf" in regard to those around us. Nicely done.

[Terry]

Yes Ron has said it all Maureen,
a very thought provoking poem.
And speaking of gardens themselves, I always find something peaceful and restful in mine,
a place to shut myself away from the world at times.

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thanks everyone for your lovely and kind comments - much appreciated.

[Shelley Hansen]

Excellent philosophy for us all, Maureen! Really enjoyed this poem.