I was in deep despair
For a thousand reasons
But I went anyway
To a community garden,
In a peaceful pasture
Outstretched to the treeline
Far below the the towering steeples.
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Led by Sister Ana
Who cut me a bouquet
Of brightly colored zinnias
Speckled red and white,
Magenta and yellow
Flaymboyant
Like living paper mache.
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Here, take these purple tomatoes
And these bundles of chard
From this verdant bounty
Of peppers and squash,
Melons, pumpkins, carrots, and dill
Make them into your dinner
To sustain you through the night.
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“Generosity” written by Sandy Ross Bender on August 13, 2010.