To her neighbors, she was a marvel
But Anavah characterized herself
As another brick in the wall
Dry humored, witty as it suited
Fitting in where life had placed her
Letting life revolve in seasons
Waiting for a series of springtimes
Her time. Seedlings. New soil
The fresh nitrogen scent of earth
A silly satisfaction. Stamping out stuff
Getting rid of what didn't belong
Weeds. Droughts. Storms. Doubts.
Digging in, determined, giving room
Reshaping by degrees. Semi-formal
She built trellises. Added flowers
Cosmos and lilies along rough borders
Cabbages rounding out neat rows
And in advance. A table set for harvest
