As someone who loves to “play in the dirt” and is anxiously awaiting the thawing of my raised beds, I appreciate the imagery and reminders offered by Elizabeth Alexander – poet, musician, composer, and fellow Minnesotan. Her advice to “trust the seeds” goes beyond just the feel of the garden trowel in my hand and extends to good advice for life in these scary, turbulent times.

Trust the Seeds

Trust the seeds, although they lie in darkness,
Stirring beyond your watchful eye.
Though they may not flower as you dreamed they would,
When the planting’s over you must trust the seeds.

Some soon bloom to fill your heart with wonder,
Some only after you are gone,
You must give them freedom to grow as they should.
Give them room to spread their roots, and trust the seeds.

In your heart, you know that some may wither,
All you can do is hope and pray.
Some will rise up grander than you dreamed they could.
There is joy in planting if you trust the seeds.

I am happy to join fellow bloggers, Bonnie at Highly Reasonable, Kat at as kat knits, and Kym at Dancing at the Edge for a monthly Gathering of Poetry.

Trust the Seeds bibliographic note: © Elizabeth Alexander 1995. Music and words originally composed as an a cappella chorale with two significantly expanded arrangements, one with a small ensemble (flute oboe and piano) and one with orchestra.

Photo credit: From pexels © daka