The Garden Of Me

My body is now assigned
to live in winter where
muscle and bone freeze.

Each morning I break
through the ice determined
to dress my spirit in spring.

Clothed in bright colors against
the gray of shorter days I plant
joy where bitter tries to take root.

The garden of me is not a place
of withering, but fertile ground
where life blooms in spite of frost.


©Susie Clevenger 2014

Comments

Kerry O'Connor said…
Despite the fight against dormancy, this poem is very self-affirming, I find. I love the concluding lines. Yeah!!
Sherry Blue Sky said…
SO perfect: "I plant joy where bitter tries to take root" and "where life blooms in spite of frost." This could not be said any better, I love it.
avalon said…
mind over matter sort of thing, where the mind actually influences setbacks?
Very intriguing to have this dichotomy.
Jim said…
I like it, Susie. I see that the green doesn't know until it tries. Generally a whole season must elapse before the green prevails.
Humans, like you wrote, can break the spell of 'winter.' But they too must test, for sure they won't overcome if they don't try..
..
BTW, my cousin from Iowa has been here to visit her daughter. We have visited with Sis twice. She comes, the cousins don't.
..
Marian said…
eeek, frozen muscles! must avoid.
colleen said…
I like the stand against the cold. I know those days. Great to meet a laundry goddess too!
Stormcat Poetry said…
Are you struggling through a time of winter presently? I hope that soon the spring will arrive again. Then your garden that is you will grow even more abundantly.
sending warm friendly smiles . . .
wonderfully sprite. is this anything like during my 'hippie' days of walking around with rose colored glasses?

enjoyed this
Ella said…
Beautiful! Yes, time marches in and we have to fight frost! I put frost in my poem~ I love yours-dressing in bright colors-you eclipsed all the seasons!
Anonymous said…
a clever conceit, Susie, and a good reminder ~
Herotomost said…
Hopeful and hard at the same time. Self realization at its best with a realistic look into ones own hearts and desires. I really liked the play of the emotional position versus the seasons. Great write Susie!!!
Margaret said…
…where bitter tries to take root.

Wonderful homage to hope and perseverance and choosing to love and be loved. Love it. You are one strong woman.
Jinksy said…
determined
to dress my spirit in spring

How to stay young, in one easy lesson?♥
I love your poetic voice here--really a sign of strength---
21 Wits said…
Where the frost grows, so shall we, for it blesses our souls and kisses our muse.