Garden Tea 

Down the lot and through the garden we tread.

“Will you pick some mint leaves?”

“I’ll search the shed.”

A bucket of water she heaves,

As the stove turns red.

“We’ve no lavender!” She grieves.

“Just harvest some chives instead.”

She watches unable to perceive,

What flavors she smells as they waft out in plea.

“If it boils and simmers, can it deceive?”

“Don’t be silly now and have some tea!”

Garden of 71 

When we’ve harvested and had some fun,

And the clock has struck one.

Round the fence we must run,

Our weeding and watering done.

No place to hide from rain or sun. 

We’re in the garden of seventy-one!

Garden of 53

We sit around on tree stumps in joyful spree.

Sometimes we write while the children read. 

We’ll drill and build in playful glee,

Maybe we’ll hike if Floyd will lead.

We’ll mold a raincatcher for the bee, 

Or gather round the pizza dough ready to knead. 

Come join us in our garden behind fifty-three!