I had a wonderful surprise when I checked my mailbox.  Inside were two copies of the magazine Green Prints.  They are the publication that bought my short story and poem last year.  Inside I found my poem in print.  You cannot imagine how thrilled I am.

Here is the poem:

Oh garden, how I loathe you

With your weeds, Purslane and that annoying lemon balm.

The sound of a fresh dandelion root popping is one of my favorite sounds.

The smell of herbs and marigolds keeps me calm.

Oh garden how I adore you

Planting, cultivating, and reaping – this is my church of the soil.

Digging in the dirt brings me consolation

And eating your produce brings me further joy.

Oh garden how I miss you

When autumn turns to winter and I’m stuck inside.

Turning the pages of garden catalogs and organizing my seeds.

Oh this snow I cannot abide.

Oh garden how I need you

To give me hope of a new spring meaning

Get out the tiller and new gardening gloves

For another season of avoiding house cleaning.

Frankly I don’t think this is my best work but it earned me twenty five bucks and I’m not complaining.  Now if I can just get that big buck story sold.