Hell's Reprieve

Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders. - Thoreau

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Plant me wisdom, courage and prose.

Grow it in neat little rows.

As only God knows.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Plant me hope, goodness and truth.

So I can hold onto the innocence of youth.

Grow it long.

Long in the tooth.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Water it with Heaven's solemn tears.

As you harvest life's bountiful years.

Abandoning all fears.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

One that has forgotten the past.

On kneeling legs with prayers asked.

Bathed in the rich light of stained glass.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Beg or borrow the seed.

Its all that I need.

Even if I must plead.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Guard it with integrity's wall.

So my spirit doesn't fall.

So the almighty hears when I call.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Quickly, so my heart doesn't harden.

So I can hastily receive faith's pardon.

Plant me.

Plant me a garden.

Bloom me a loyal mate.

So I can live together with love and not alone with hate.

Completing the journey to Heaven's gate.

Plant me

Plant me a garden.

Grow me the fruit of Adam and Eve.

So I no longer have to weep and grieve.

So my soul doesn't leave.

Oh, please grow me ...

... Hell's reprieve ...

Author's Note

"If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen." - Thoreau