Seeds

I planted some seeds

in the same dirt

that turned into mud:

mud that covered

my youthful, smiling face.

I planted little seeds

in the same dirt

that became the resting

place for past pets.

I have watched seeds

turn to sprouts. I have

seen sprouts turn into

saplings. I walk

outside and see trees

dancing in the summer

breeze – shaking their

leaves. I think to myself:

those strong trees were

once shorter than me.

As many seasons come

and go, I often look at

the ground and smile.

I recall the sounds of birds

singing, my family playing

and the wind whistling.

That was a different time,

and things have changed.

I have grown older,

but much like the trees,

I have grown stronger.

I look to the sky and see

the faces of those who

have walked this earth –

who have left footprints

in the dirt that remains

unchanged. Today,

I planted a seed

to remind myself

that the circle of life

begins with birth.

I walk away from

this sacred dirt to come

back another day.

I will think about that

seed as it grows big

and strong. It will live

on long after I’m gone.