SEEDS OF FAITH

Down on my knees in the dirt       
I started planting them,
 seed by seed, row by row.     

Slowly but surely, I planted them one by one.
I dug the hole, carefully placed the seed, 
covered it with good soil, patted it gently and moved on.

In the hot sun I planted them. 
Sweat on my brow, dirt under my fingernails, dust in my eyes,
making it hard to see. I pressed on.

In the pouring rain, I planted them.
In the storm, in the dark
making it frightening. I moved on.

Slowly but surely I planted them.
My back ached, my fingers became sore,
making it painful. I pressed on.

Some days I wanted to quit but I knew I had to go on.
I knew it was important,
I knew it was vital.

After years, there were four rows, neatly planted
and I prayed to the Master Gardner
to make them grow.

Any bad seed to disintegrate,
all goods seeds to grow
and blossom to maturity.

I imagine the crop, strong and ripe.
I wait patiently and pray 
that someday I will reap the blessings.