Peace of this Moment

by Mary B Peterson

Just at twilight, as the air becomes cool,

There comes the Sentinels call.

Like a little soldier on the juniper spear, he eyes me while I toil.

The lawn is big, bigger than we'd planned.

Now I am wheeling and shoveling mulch while the family is out.

My company in this labor comes...

bobbing, chirping and hooting along,

curious at my presence in yard.

Surely, this is the time for resting, not toiling?

But alas, it is a pleasant thing to work amid the cool air,

and with no one to attend.

I must spend more time outside,

it is like dew on my wilted petals.....

The soil I shovel is rich,

it smells of all the earths Sweetness.

It is heavy in my wheelbarrow..

I wonder how long I will be strong?

Will I be like those stalwart women who live vibrant to their 90s?

Or will I be sickly, and need wheeling myself?

Oh,

but enjoy this moment!

-with the quail,the robin and the chickadee.

Absorb the cool Breeze of the evening,

breathe in the sweetness of the Soil,

and remember the Peace of this moment.