Late Summer Harvest

 

The Earth released her embrace

Allowing the plump white onion

To break free as the young girl

Tugged on its hollow green leaves.

Smiling, she placed it in the basket

And selected another and another.

 

Then came the generous Kale leaves,

Curly green textured delights

Snapped off at the base of their stems

By small hands absorbing tactile knowing

From being in relationship with each leaf.

 

A juicy beet pulled from the soil

Joined the beauty in the basket,

Food to be shared with the community

From the garden with the same name,

 

Meanwhile, little boys searched through

The jungle-like tangle of tomato leaves

In search of ripe red cherry tomatoes.

Bursts of warm delicious brightness

Exploding in their mouths with each treasure.

 

Later, alone, I carefully selected the delicate

Arugula and Mizuna leaves to join the offering.

One ear of corn has been nibbled on.

Torn husk leaves and missing kernels

Hint at the sharp teeth of a squirrel

Sharing in the abundance.

We picked the cob to save the seeds

As promises of next year’s garden.

 

Squashes, cucumbers and zucchinis

Expand almost as you watch them.

Each one finds its way to someone

Who will delight in their gift

From our common mother

Earth.