I put a rhododendron from the Farmers Market

in a shady spot and soak it completely.

 

We become friends. He tells me

he wants to meet the others.

 

"Where shall I plant you?"

He's quiet, that's his way.

 

"Do you want to go here?"

... I feel a shiver.

"What about here?"

... a more subtle shiver.

"Here?"

... ahhhh a feeling of warmth.

 

Chief Joseph said, talk to the animals

make them your friends.

 

            Don't forget me.

 

I dig a hole, fill it with water,

massage his roots. He accepts

tough love from a friend.

 

Here little guy, a beautiful bath and

new friends all around and quietude.

 

            I'm thirsty...

 

Hydrangeas are rainbows on vines

soak water, shine in sun, tough

even hard rains bounce away.

 

            You don't listen to me.

 

Honeysuckles bathe me in fragrance.

 

Crocuses and daffodils are yellow like

first light of spring that free us from winter dark.

 

            Why don't you hear me?

 

I used to take life seriously.

 

            I'm drying up!

 

I argued points, was a pretty good advocate.

 

            Remember me!

 

Then I awakened one day and

remembered my calling of being a gardner.

 

            Harvey, Harvey! Wake up! Listen to me!

 

Grape vines are late every spring and make

me anxious as I search for green shoots.

 

The clematis has its first shoots!

 

Oh, the rhody has sad eyes

drying up under an overhang.

 

I need to soak it again.

 

            Ahhhhh...

            You finally heard me Harvey!

 

            Why didn't you listen?