Trimming

Into my back jean pocket goes
sharp pruners to clip what grows
up too high or down too low.

Dead rose bush canes are trimmed down low.
Other shrubs are shaped to grow.
Evergreen limbs are cut just so.

Then off to get the long loppers, for wouldn't you know,
what grows is up too high to reach standing on my toes.
Then carry limbs off to the new brush pile to stow.

An afternoon storm blows
leaving behind some woes
and more branches to tow.

Piled high in a big row
are branches and limbs now stowed.
They get there by being towed.

The wheelbarrow goes
with me and helps tow.
It reduces woes.

That shrub doesn't need to be trimmed for a doe
had a late night snack standing on her toes.
I wish I had known.  I would have told her "NO!"

The brush pile grows bigger as the year quickly goes
with limbs that have been cut off - some up high, some down low.
Next year they'll be a new brush pile to stow then tow.

Trimming what grows
against the flow
is right, you know.

* * * * *

Not only does something in the yard need to be trimmed,
usually there is something in our life that needs trimmed.

It could be words that ought not.
It might be actions that hurt.
It could be our train of thought.
Are there companions that plot?
What have our bad habits brought?

Something to WATCH out for
and to teach to others:
W words
A actions
T thoughts
C companions
H habits

Speak no evil, see no evil, hear no evil, do no evil -
resist:  don't give satan an opportunity to devour.

Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
I Peter 5:9

When you stand firm,
God's strength will come.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength...
II Timothy 4:17

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts
are fully committed to him.
II Chronicles 16:9