This is another poem inspired by the garden and moving and travelling. It basically propounds the thesis that a change is as good as a rest. Thanks for coming by to read.
Oh, when your roots are growing thick,
Like spider webs inside the soil,
And when you strain to feel the sun
Upon your veins, and weep, and toil,
And when the clutter swallows you
And walls close in upon you, close,
You know there is a remedy.
And you must take a healthy dose.
The pot has grown too small for you.
You chafe, and wriggle, hermit crab,
And cast about, to find another
Shell or pot, to soothe your scab.
You need fresh soil, or better, ground.
A freeing field. A garden plot.
So you can stretch your roots and grow,
No matter, if you’re young or not.
So pull yourself up by the roots!
And strike out, for a kinder clime.
A plant that won’t re-soil its boots
Will rot in place in two weeks’ time.
Copyright 2022 Andrea LeDew
For another poem inspired by the apostle iris (and political events) read The Wardrobe of Kings. For another hymn to the power of place read The Cabin.
Sovereign
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Ok. That pop up was an experiment. But if it feels annoying, its got to go! Thanks for the feedback!
No more pop up!
I think the metaphor in this poem can apply literally to moving from one house to another and more figuratively to leaving an unhappy relationship.
So true. We can get root-bound in relationships too. Sometimes nothing but repotting in a less restrictive pot will do. But transplanting physically, to a new location, as a couple, can be good for a relationship too. Fresh air and sunshine and room to grow can work a world of good.
Good point about fresh air, sunshine, and room to grow.
This poem speaks deeply to me: after a long life it is clear to me that the natural changes in life have to be augmented by self-initiated ones for your own well-being as well as that of your loved ones. Beautifully presented, Andrea, thank you, in the lovely images of plants and gardens without which my life would be so much less joyful.
Oh yes I remember your lovely garden in Mpls! Speaking of my piano lessons there, have you read the book by concert pianist Jeremy Denk? Heres the link on Amazon: Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story in Music Lessons
I thought of you and Jessica when I heard his interview on Fresh Air. Hope to read it soon. Its supposed to be about his experience as a serious student of music, which I never was, but that makes it all the more interesting! Love the title too! Although I prefer Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge!
And thank you so much for your kind words about the poem!