Those fresh green beans snapped in my hands
opening the natural aroma of this lovely food
I take a moment and pick up one of these halves

and inhale the fragrance of earthly gifts

The green is bright as if painted with sunlight
I place them in the colander, running cool water

over each glistening piece, pleasing my eyes

while I sing a light hearted tune of delight

Touching the now wet surface, smooth, yet

with a touch of fuzz about the pod to feel

I move them around in the fresh water
making sure all dirt is removed before eating

I drain the water and place the delicious beans

in a pot with just enough water to touch their tops

A little onion cut into a quarter piece adds flavor

with a dash of salt and three grinds of the pepper mill

I stand by and watch while my mind travels far

away to another time and place where cooking

was just another chore, to be done, by a working mom

to feed her hungry family of children and a spouse

Now I cook them so I can taste the explosion of flavor

While smelling the mixture of scents wafting up to my face

I breathe in, filling my head with the freshness of morning dew

As I watch, the green grows brighter still, as if enhanced by God's kiss 

I fill my waiting bowl full, then add a pat of sweet butter on top

watching it melt as my mouth waters for the taste I know is coming

The taste of fresh green beans from the backyard garden

That grew in rich, dark earth, from a seed, that I once planted.