Autumn Garden

As I look out over the autumn garden
Sadness clings to me
Like the petals of the fading marigolds
Time for bed
Life cannot go on without rest

I whisper my thanks
As I place a layer of mulched leaves
Giving cover to the tired soil
I give thanks for our summer mornings together
Me observing the growth
Helping in any way possible
Removing dead leaves,
Picking off dangerous insects
Awed by the mystery
Witnessing seedling, once seed, take root and flourish
Soil offering all it has,
Rain giving sustenance.
Me, supplementing when needed
Thankful for clean water
And my dad’s hose.

But today,
The freezer is stocked
The Ball jars filled and sealed
And the last of the tomatoes
Are ripening on their tray
As the woodstove takes away
The autumn chill

Water will not restore health
Soil cannot nurture the dying plants
The season has ended.

With gratitude for all the meals,
All the joy
I whisper my thanks to the garden
As I bid it adieu and good night!