"M" PLANTS

Once, while attempting to persuade a former lover of what she needed to do to become un-stuck, this fable-like image popped to mind...

I found a pack of Magic Seeds,
Hidden 'neath a sheaf of reeds

I picked those reeds up, and I flung 'em,
Then picked those seeds up, and I brung 'em!

Seeking, then, a patch, a plot
Where magic Seeds could grow a lot,

I came unto your heart and knocked�
But, Alas!, the door was locked!

I cried, "I have some Magic Seeds
Which fulfill your deepest needs!"

Then at the peep, an eye appeared--
I saw at once, 'twas sore afeared!

"If", I pled, "A Cup of Joy
Is what you seek, then I'm your Boy!"

Then clapped the Trap!, but I quailed not
(For Seeds of Magic I have got!)

Then inch by inch so shyly ope'd
The barricade, as if you hoped

To ascertain the Truth, (or not!)
Of what it was I said I'd brought

I gently sought for fingers fair
(So long since they had felt the air!)

Then placed within a quivering palm
A single silver Seed; no qualm

Had I, that you'd not know
What you must do, where it must go!

You timidly one button free'd
But, trembling, glanced at me in need

Of guidance, so I gently free'd
Your fingers, and removed the Seed,

And placed it just within the cleft
Between your right breast, and your left

And covering it with your own hand,
I hoped you soon might understand:

The Magic lies NOT in the Seed,
But in your willingness to need!

Then did that Seed commence its toil
Of changing hard clay into Soil

Nourished by your heart's own beat,
Watered oft with your tears sweet,

A tendril sought, and shortly found
A purchase for to wind around,

To skyward pull a Twig, a Leaf--
WAIT! What's that on your Face? BELIEF?

Belief that what I've said is true?
Believe the claims I've made to you?

At last, you've wonderfully discerned,
That to a Bush your Twig has turned!

And perched atop that Bush now grows
A Bud; you lift it lightly to your nose,

And then, with bated breath, breathe deep
Its aroma, in your heart to keep

To ponder upon when you sleep,
To wonder at, when thinking deep!

Discovered, then, in Soil new-made
(Where once your Soul was sore afraid!)

Blooms now the Fruit of hidden Joy
Which for too long, no Sun enjoyed!

But now, because you plucked a Seed,
Thus acknowledging your need,

Because YOU finally ope'd the Door,
Your self-imprisonment is o'er!

Awake, my Love, from Torment's chain,
And walk to me, to Life again!


April 13, 2004

Author's Note

First, apologies to my many friends for not responding to their gracious reviews. For some reason, notification of same did not appear on my homepage.
Second, a word of explanation. This piece began as a humorous work, hence the goofy, nonstandard phrasing in the early couplets. The "I" that I invisioned was something of an aimless clodhopper, a Jack-in-the-Beanstalk type (he had magic seeds too, you'll recall!) But as the poem developed, and he began to realize the depth of his responsibility, the greatness of his potential reward, his mien sobered somewhat, along with his language. So, you see, although the poem has a distinct tonal change, it is called-for, and quite necessary to derive the fullest depth of meaning from his quest.

Reviews

[Lizanne]

A beautiful poetic garden planted from the offering of a seed of love. To have lived closed away, heart kept locked and refusal of allowing the soft offered touch of love from one that is willing to give. Open the eyes just a smidge and see the small simple offering and accept this tiny seed. Once it is planted withing the heart and soul, it will bring forth life to the loving nature that has been buried in the hard cracked soil that had laid barren to life for so long. The seed blossoms, bearing all the fragrant feelings (feelings do have scents) to the once lost sensation of soft intimate touch and the joys that love brings, free from the darkness, that within which they had lay hidden, until the soil was once more brought to be fertile by the caring touch of a loving gardner and bearer of the seed.

[Veronica Chandler]

I so enjoyed the tone of this piece and especially the hope and light within. My favorite is how you wrapped it up in the end,
"Awake, my Love, from Torment's chain,
And walk to me, to Life again!"
Wonder filled piece.

[Mark]

Thank you, Veronica! You are very kind. How did I happen to come to your attention? This piece is semi-autobiographical, having been written for a girlfriend with deep-seated emotional issues. Glad you enjoyed it, and I will reciprocate soon; I am on the road, and may or may not be able to get to you today, but I will surely try.

[Veronica Chandler]

We have read/reviewed one another about a year ago or possibly even longer...I have been away from the cafe' for about as long. I ran across the piece either in the live feed or perhaps an old Read Request. I have been inching my way through well over 800, but in either case, no need to feel obliged to hurry to catch my writing.

[Mark]

Someone reviews a piece, using terms like tone, hope, light and wonder, and I feel OBLIGED?? Not hardly! To read and review someone who is truly into poetry at a mental as well as a creative level is not a duty, but a privilege!

[Veronica Chandler]

I am smiling and honored... I devour poetry like they were fresh, warm cookies just out of the oven. I do write them as a sort of compulsion, and have since I can remember. No real formal education under my poetess belt, but I am never far from my quill; I am not certain if any of mine are of merit which is why I leave that part to the reviewers.

[Valentine]

No matter......this is terrific and I enjoyed it very much,,valentine

[Allen Smuckler]

No apologies necessary, Mark...this was an absolute classic from beginning to end...ode to the magic seeds...I love when the poem turned to something new and sobering and touching: The magic lies NOT in the seed,
But in your willingness to need
Great freaking line...If I could put it to memory I would...but alas...too many magic seeds...
allen

[Muse]

I wish is were that easy, love the humor. :) I can imagine an adult cartoon made from this writing. Or better yet a song, well done!

[Becky C Strukamp]

What a delightful poem. So enjoyable to read. I welcomed the smiles it produced.