I hope I planted
goodness seeds
and featherheart
and giving reeds
grudge-me-nots
and can-do rows
selfless bulbs
and ebb-and-flows
I hope the roots
of humbleleaf
have taken hold
in soil deep
and robust stems
of brave-and-brights
to serve and soar
were sown just right
and when the rains
and storms flood beds
of lovingbells
and keep-our-heads
or drought denies
the tender roots
of self esteem
and fortitude
I pray that grace
is given me
who sowed the seeds
imperfectly
and greater light
redeems and grows
the field with faith
and ever-hopes.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11
Image: Illustration by Walter Crane
SILVER PENNIES 
You are a master of giving words new life. I love reading these. Keep sharing!
Oh my – how beautiful and touching! Thank you so much!
I read it again and again and again — and suddenly the figure in the painting became to me the Holy Spirit, weeding out the bad and carefully tending the good. How busy the Spirit has been in your heart and life, bringing forth such lovely fruits of the spirit ( love, joy, peace, patience . . ) and gifts of teaching and joy for the body of Christ! Thank you, Emily; you are a treasure.
I love this and you. You are so talented. Big hugs
You certainly planted them. Of that you can be sure. (WOW) (XOX!)
I arrived here quite randomly tonight. I am grateful for it. This is beautiful, and needed, and then beautiful, again.
Em, these lyrical words and images have the power to let us understand our nurturing purpose in a brand new and profound way. I treasure this poem – and you are a true sower.
Em – I have come back to this poem again and again, nourished myself by its beauty and vision –