Planting Before Rain

by Harvey Taylor

We saw clouds gathering in the West,

and heard the weather forecast:

scattered showers over the next couple of days,

along with a warming trend, just the incentive

we needed for Spring planting.

We worked in fresh compost,

amended with equine contributions,

and soon peas, spinach, collards,

kale, and chard were subterranean,

tamped, and sprinkled for good luck.

I could hear gentle rain on the roof

during the night, and fell asleep picturing

seed coats softening, tiny embryos awakening,

rooting, and beginning their monumental journey

through dense darkness, to the light