Mum's Garden Poem by Mandy Baldwin

When I was a child the garden burst with marigolds.
Pungent tomatoes climbed the walls in the dusty sun
And new cut grass with daisies lying slaughtered
And ponds with drowning fan-tails and proud peonies
Spoke of a love that showed itself in growing
Days in the sun that I knew before I was knowing.

When you were older you tended the wild Valerian
And the African daisies that spilled across the lawn and path
And birthday irises, July’s gift to Julia
Baby’s Breath that misted the pots you made for her
Slower you were, but still the seeds were sowing
Gifts of your heart to a love who would soon be going.

Now on the unmarked place where the earth has claimed her
Drowsing beneath the beds of rose and freesia
Warmed by the blanket of blooms with which you cover her
Stone would be far too cold for your blue-eyed Julia
Seasons marked by the buds unfurling and showing
Love of your life in the garden you are still growing.