After

Because many people that I know are planting their seeds under grow lights this time of the year:

After

After seeds are planted in the ground

life begins from that little round

or oval-shaped seed so small

in which life originates for all.

After sun and rain nourish that little seed

buried under the soil down on ones knees

it begins to sprout

quickly bursting out.

After a week it emerges through

reaching heavenward toward skies of blue

where two little leaflets drink

dewdrops when morning winks.

After a few more days more leafs appear

sometimes feed by showers of heaven's tears,

though other times these showers become storms

when this little seedling looks quite forlorn.

After storms of life buffet this little life,

sometimes cutting like a knife,

this little seedling rights itself again

and is happy to see the sun return.

After several weeks of sunshine

this little seedling grows into a vine

where blossoms form and intertwine

its tendrils up a fence line.

After the blossoms form

bees visits from their drone.

Sing-song buzzing is in the air

on days when it's sunny and fair.

After soaking up the sun's warmth

these blossoms turn into fruit -

perhaps snow peas, or cucumbers,

or pumpkins, or green pole beans or...

After these vegetables mature

there'll be good eating for sure.

Harvesting takes place

as one feeds one's face.

After these vegetables mature

inside each are seeds for more

to reproduce next year.

An excellent plan, that's clear.

After awhile seeds are dried

then in an envelope they hide

until next spring -

which is exciting.

After weeks of summer, but all too soon,

autumn's cold frost will bring with it doom

ending the cycle of life

with dying and certain death.

Afterward these vines are recycled into compost

when this gardening "black gold" another seed will host.

The cycle of life completed for this seed.

Us humans, bees, and compost it did feed.

After all is grown and gone

a miracle lives on

as seeds will reproduce

with more ideas for this muse.

Seriously, in each seed there's a miracle,

as well as a cure for whatever ails,

for a healthy life is daily maintained

from good-for-us minerals and vitamins.

* * * * *

As all gardening ends with death,

then a recycling; as with life

death is not the end,

it's a new beginning.

After this life

there's eternal life

if you believe

and Christ receive.

Your old life can be recycled into new

if you believe what God did is true.

That God's Son died

for you and I.

There is a happily-ever-after.

It's in heaven, the thereafter,

and will be reserved for you today

if you believe in Christ Jesus, then pray.

"Dear Lord, I believe

and your gift receive.

You'll always be with me in all that I do

and I have your promise of everlasting life with you."

There really is a happily-ever-after,

though not on earth as so earnestly sought after.

We won't receive it until we die,

when we go to our home beyond the sky.

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Our citizenship is in heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

who, by the power that enables him

to bring everything under his control,

will transform our lowly bodies

so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20

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Hibernation

Found this one when editing this afternoon.  Appropriate for the season.

Hibernation

Winter, seemingly a time of hibernation,

but actually it's a time for rejuvenation.

It's a time of incubation

for most of plant creation

when in collaboration

with the winter season

plant life begins quiet preparation

for a new season of anticipation

continuing generation after generation

as miraculously planned from the beginning of creation.

It's not necessarily a time of relaxation

but an edifying season of fortification

for bulbs and plants begin their restoration

in earth's protected womb where unification

of temperature fluctuation

and frozen precipitation

will end in excitement and joyous exclamation

after a long-awaited-for anticipation.

There'll be a gleeful celebration,

an incontainable jubilation,

causing one's soul much elation

when with joyful admiration

and heart-felt adoration

this period of silent hibernation

finally gives birth, always bringing inspiration.

A miracle springs forth, an utter fascination.

After this time of hibernation

there'll be a two-fold flirtation

for flowering bulbs and plants attract humans

and bees happily begin pollination,

an affirmation

that this season

of hibernation

is now in cessation.

After the flowers put on their show, you'll note a multiplication

of springtime bulbs or flowering plants increasing their population.

In the plant world it's called naturalization,

a reproduction, a propagation.

Upon investigation

you'll find an accumulation

coming to the realization

that it's time for a division.

So after listening to the weather station,

to ensure a period of no precipitation,

you'll prepare another location

for the over-population

of bulbs or plants needing division -

or maybe you'll share with relation

and gardening friends whose inclination, or perhaps fixation,

is to make accommodation for your accumulation.

After digging in preparation

you'll be ready for hibernation -

a much needed vacation -

for the gardening vocation

causes unwanted activation

of aches and pains in concentration.

But oh, the joy, the elation, the appreciation

of surprise flowers after winter's hibernation.

Earth's rebirth - rejuvenation -

giving God glorification!

* * * * *

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Gestation

Gestation

After 11 months

we're happy to make a fuss

as it's been a loooonngg wait to see

something that will please you and me.

All through long days or weeks when too much rain came

and other weeks when there wasn't enough rain,

they wait and wait as we count the months down

when this delivery is seen in our town.

For each new birth is something to be celebrated

after we wait and wait through the gestation period.

All through long weeks when it was too hot and humid

we impatiently waited as they silently hid.

Hidden in a dark cocoon,

morning, night, and noon, a womb

protected them

during gestation.

And still they waited,

activity bated,

as it wasn't time

for them to shine.

Through the final months, though,

they waited under snow.

The wait seems like it is taking too long.

Each new day feels like a week prolonged.

This incubation

or hibernation

continues through January

and all through February.

Will this long pregnancy ever end?

Everyone's counting the days until when

this new birth

arrives on earth.

Then one day, through the snow,

new life begins to show.

The 11 months is nearing completion.

It's almost time for their presentation.

Who will be born

one chilly March morn?

Who waited 11 months

and arrives with a fuss?

Tiny white snowdrops

and crocus' will pop,

daffodils add to the array

when spring gives birth this glad day!

Their debut

creates a view

that is worth the wait

no matter which state.

Look for hyacinths,

followed by tulips,

alliums

also blossom.

Celebrate

spring's due date.

A time of rebirth

upon planet earth.

* * * * *

What a long wait it is to see the newborns!

What a long wait it seems to see spring born.

Each season winter follows autumn

then it begins all over again.

After winter is past

spring begins with a blast:

a parade, a show, a gala

of brightly colored flowers.

See! The winter is past;

the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth.

Song of Songs 2:11-12

I went down to the grove of nut trees

to look at the new growth in the valley,

to see if the vines had budded

or the pomegranates were in bloom.

Song of Songs 6:11

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Alas!

Alas!

At last, at last,

winter is past.

When winter is past

it's springtime – at last!

There's a red or blue flash

from songbirds doing the dash

who joyfully sing with each task,

aCapella, not heard in vocal class.

Colorful spring bulbs pop up in mass

causing happy smiles to be cast.

Bees return at last.

Don't touch or you'll sass!

There's much to do when winter is past.

Each year we long for spring to come fast.

Soon we'll be busy with spring tasks

as warmer days come to pass.

Time to open the window sash

and spring clean the window's glass.

Then shine the front door's brass

door knocker when going past.

Earlier each morning the glow of the new day's sunrise is cast

as gardeners stretch and determine to complete each day's tasks.

Later each evening disappearing sunsets paint a rosy repast

while lullabies are sung by songbirds as dusky twilight is cast.

Yes, spring is here at last

as temperatures warm up fast.

Some can't wait to go fishing for bass

then prepare a fish fry at last.

Happily, we see the greening of grass.

Soon we'll need to buy lawnmower gas.

We forget about dandelions amassed

until more return each year despite last year's task.

Everyone's glad to see winter has passed.

Especially we who garden in mass.

Rather a garden lad or lass,

we're happy winter has passed.

Spring is here . . . at last -

until a surprise blast

of arctic air is cast

upon this country vast

and lasts and lasts and lasts.

Will this winter ever pass?

We're aghast!

Alas! Alas!

* * * * *

Shakespeare wrote, "Parting is such sweet sorrow,"

but not when winter continues to burrow.

We long for spring after months of snow.

Spring can't come too soon, we often crow.

It seems that the birds radar was off

for their return signaled spring's takeoff.

Perhaps their song woke up the crocus

and even bees who gleefully buzz.

Then surprisingly more snow...

and it's too cold to melt the snow.

Will winter ever be past?

When will spring come – at last?

Yet spring is an unknown

as our days are unknown.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Hopefully joy and not suffering.

We seem to long for what we don't have

always hoping for the best life has.

Our focus is on the temporal

instead of on the eternal.

It's what's done for eternity that lasts.

So when you come to an impasse

this question you should ask:

will my faith live on and last?

Hebrews 11 talks about faith that lasts.

Faith that generations could not unmask.

Faith that continues to hold fast

irregardless of what comes to pass.

Faith is a certainly that will surpass

daily doubts that often harass.

Faith will turn your weakness into strength that lasts

for faith is the key that always removes doubt's mask.

See! The winter is past.

Song of Songs 2:11

The length of our days is seventy years -

or eighty, if we have the strength;

yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Psalm 90:10

...for such a time as this...

Esther 4:14

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Empty Nest

Empty Nest

Someone's growing up too fast.

Ready to leave home at last.

Their heads peek out the door.

They can't wait to explore.

Their parents are busy this morn

feeding their big babies worms.

And how they talk up a storm!

Their babies have lots to learn.

Are these parents saying "stay"

or encouraging "go play"?

Will today

be the day?

One leans too far out.

Suddenly he's out.

Or was he pushed

for two more heads push...

out the door

to explore

the great outdoors

where fun allures.

The first one

air born

spreads his wings

in the wind.

He's free! He's free!

There's much to see.

He calls "follow me"

to his siblings with glee.

There they go

down low

then up high as the breeze

blows in the trees leaves.

Spreading their wings

they glide on the wind.

Free!

Free!

Are their parents happy or sad?

Are the fledglings glad?

Their parents did their best.

All too soon there's an empty nest.

* * * * *

Do you feel empty, void, useless?

Do you feel you've lost your purpose?

A job ended unexpectedly.

Maybe illness came suddenly.

Perhaps the loss of your spouse

or foreclosure on your house.

Life the way you know it has changed.

Your time is now rearranged.

Sometimes this rearranging

is God's way of preparing -

opening the door for a new opportunity,

turning a dream into a possibility.

Instead of dwelling on the past

get busy and have a blast.

Turn your negatives

into positives.

An adventure awaits.

You won't want to be late.

Many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us

no one can recount to you,

were I to speak and tell of them,

they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:5

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Psalm 139:17-18

How great is the love the Father

has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

I John 3:1

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