THE GARDENER AT EIGHTY

Tom, my pal for more

than five decades,

nurtures and tends

a multitude of lives,

midwifing plants into being 

from tiny seed to seedling, 

to flower and fruit, occasionally 

even to tree. Often digs

daily in dirt, moves earth

across land like a painter

contemplating a blank canvas, 

putters quietly with soil under lights

on a bench in the garage

designed by himself. Tom plans

with care tasks each morning,

loves to keep himself

on the move; even mentors

others in the gardening art,

both eyes, two hands, a curious mind

intent on the project today.  

I smile with this vision 

of my dear friend at work 

in this life he sculpts

new growth revealed

with ongoing contentment

that feeds Tom and others,

roots him deeply alive.