THE RECLINING GARDENER
On the first spring day of prolonged clear sunshine
she mows the lawns, weeds the paths, hoes the borders,
counts the figs, admires the honesty,
tends the low lavender hedge – then relaxes
on a lounger in front of the gazebo,
framed by clematis and magnolia blooms.
She sleeps, safe in the garden’s ivy clad
chambers – the alfresco rooms she has made
from soil ravaged by lime and gravel.
If she lies too long she will catch the sun –
a curious, promethean turn of phrase
yet right for a gardener who has acquired
from the air itself wild strawberries,
welsh poppies, common columbine, even
honesty. Perhaps I should not let her sleep –
but waking her seems always an intrusion
into the private solitude of dreams.
We have been in love for more than fifty years –
doppelgänger, alter ego; boxing hare,
comedy partner; devil’s advocate,
critical friend; anxiety’s balm, pearl
irritant; good companion, turtle dove.
She stirs – wakened, no doubt, by that slow passion
of plants – before I can rouse her with a kiss,
like any common or garden prince or frog.
Keith Johnson
August 24, 2016Absolutely beautiful.
Ian Craine
August 24, 2016What a beautiful love song to Topsy that is, David.
Howard Gardener
August 24, 2016Excellent – somehow understated and yet rich with detail at the same time. Many congratulations to you both.
Catherine Reynolds
August 25, 2016What a beautiful way of expressing your love for the reclining gardener. Cx
Theresa Brady
August 28, 2016How beautiful. X
Mary Clark
August 29, 2016This is one of the best love poems I’ve ever read.
Mike and Pat Rogerson
September 16, 2016You paint a beautiful picture with your palette of words.
Ashen Venema
September 18, 2017Lovely and touching present to a loved one.
I was lead back to this poem while exploring Mary Clark’s website.