Dig In
Dig in, both hands, deep, deeper
Packed clay soil meets tenacious space
and gloved pincers, break it all down
to accept gentle roots of Gerbers
Pink, Orange… a splattergasm of color
Heat beats down; the race is on
Toiling Angla in 3-digit sunscreen vs.
ungodly hot-air soup
Inside, peeling the layers of me
Step into cold shower
Ice fire, tingling triumph
Good work; better remedy
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Poets United: Kim Nelson asked us to “tap the water table,” literally or metaphorically. Believe me when I say this garden, planted in the middle of July, was hard-won labor but worth every drop of sweat! Also at my literal garden, Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, in the margins (near the fence!). Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Mary
Ha, I think for me right now it is too hot for gardening. It is supposed to cool down this weekend. After being out this morning, I am def ready for a cold shower!
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
That is one cracking word you’ve used: splattergasm. Quite worthy of those colourful gerberas.
Sara v
Splattergasm!!!! I love it! Fantastic visual deep earthy poem. Felt every bit. 🙂
Mama Zen
I just came in from working in my flower bed, and I’m nodding all the way through this!
Now, if I can just work “splattergasm” into conversation, I will consider this to have been a good day.
Snakypoet (Rosemary Nissen-Wade)
Oh, what a great last line! In fact I loved the whole poem. ‘Splattergasm’ is not only a wonderful word, it is so right that it almost seems obvious, and I want to put it in the dictionary straight away.
LaTonya
Ah, I was laid up in hospital Tuesday for what was suppose to be Outpatient. Home and making my rounds. I just don’t do drugs well. Go figure. Anyhoo. Glad to sit in your garden.
Roger Green
think I’ll melt…
Sherry Blue Sky
Brave you, gardening in the “ungodly hot air soup”. Am sure the results will be spectacular.
georgefloreswrite
Love it! And there is nothing quite like working with the soil and plants, it takes a different kind of gentleness. I was away for a few months and missed your words! Peace to you, Amy! 🙂
Susie Clevenger (@wingsobutterfly)
Gardening is such therapy for me…although my thumbs are more brown than green. There is something about stepping back and looking at your work and making your spot on earth a little more beautiful.
kaykuala
It’s a classic offering flowers and all. They’re fantastic looking flowers. It would be fun to sustain all the grand colors in the garden. Nicely Amelita!
Hank
Lindy Lee
Gardening is food for the soul. Pun intended. You describe it well…
Sharp Little Pencil
Lindy, glad I’m not the only punster around here. Lex and I can make each other ill with pun-offs! I never liked gardening until now. Thanks, Lindy! Amy
Lindy Lee
You prompt thoughts of Jose’ Feliciano…
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, now there is a compliment! I get it. And wouldn’t he have fun? Thanks, Lindy, heading over to your blog now. Amy