Tall Grass, Growing

By Miriam W. Wright

I see the tall grass swaying in the breeze,

The slender stems supporting nature’s store of life,

Not useless stalks nor tares but headed grass

Which stands so firmly rooted in the soil.

A day comes to my mind (now of the past)

We stood together. You had faith and stood so tall

And I was doubting. “Weeds,” I said, “Just weeds.

Or like this place,” I scruffed the earth, “Just dirt.”

“Our home” you answered. “There will be tall grass,

And we can build together. We can plant the seeds.

The Universe is His and He gives life,

And we can truly give a servant’s care.”

I looked at you, “To work, and work and fail.”

Your hand made motion up, “Then plan and work again.

See the warm sun” (Your tones so promising).

Then reaching down, I pulled a clump of weeds.

You smiled, “Already you have marked

A place to start. Right here can be our cornerstone.”

You placed a smooth-shaped rock, as if ‘homebase,’

To outline substance that was yet to be.

I looked into your eyes. “Perhaps, some day,”

But I could see no home …

And now, I stand and see—

No time from then ‘till now, but there was time

For storms, for drouth, for strength-consuming hours.

The plans and efforts seemed so giant-high,

Yet now, so vapor thin that they are far out-shown

By window lights of home, and well-worn paths,

The firm clasp of your hand, your smile, your love.

The harvest-ready field,

I see it now.

You saw this field, the day you spoke those words:

“Tall grass-growing.”