bare-chested babies toddling through soft new grass
cool damp earth, scents of nature, touch toes and noses
coral roses heavy on thorny green bushes
accessorise the landscape of mid Spring
as hens roam freely escaping the pen of safety
looking for more than just finely ground corn

tilled gardens freshly planted with crops for summer
beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, potatoes
watch as the toddlers fall upon the plowed furrows
wiping muddy hands on bellies and tasting the minerals
of the dark brown dirt. Oops, the tomato plant is now
laid in the footprint of an exploring cherub.

the tall leaning black barn offers a menagerie of memories
of times long before when now grown adults toddled after
grandpas out to feed the cows oats and grain and to check
on old Myrtle to see how she is coming in her quest to
bring life into the world. The barn cats scatter hiding
behind bales of hay and under the cracks in the
wooden floor.

Scents of manure, hay, and things unseen whirl about
in an array of conflicting and yet harmonious aromas.

criss-cross fences hewed from oak limbs add texture
and artistry to the lay of the land. hands blistered and tough
chopped, sawed, and laid each one perfectly into the crook
of the other. overalls, boots, and straw hats adorn the artist
while he does his work. Listen! do you hear his whistle?
Or is that the mockingbird watching diligently over this one
so close to her nest? It is harmonic as well.

Harmony

Nature's harmony. Love of life. Songs of Love.
Peace of the soul.

Come now, hear what is being written and see what is
not there.

Clear your mind and wander through the sentences
written as they are and follow the toddler you choose.
Become her or him and smile, giggle, explore, escape,
and run through the furrows and feel the mud between
your toes.

It is a time for joy.