Farm Evening

About an hour and a half before sunset, 

after spending most of the day planting 

the last few transplants into the garden,

I head back outside to handle a few more chores.

The light is low and sweet 

through the leaves of the sycamore tree,

but no time to linger!

The rooster will take care of getting his hens into the coop,

but I can't get that guy to securely close the door.

At this time of year, most nights, 

the chickens keep me up past my bedtime.

Tonight, however, I still have things to do!  

The grape "flowers" are budding,

but there are still several months before harvest.

The strawberries, on the other hand,

are ripening and my work has just begun.

I put the first quart in the freezer tonight,

and had a few left over for

strawberry banana "overnight oats" 

for tomorrow morning's breakfast.

While I was out,

I grabbed a handful of herbs.

Lemon balm and Pineapple Mint

 are both abundant and assertive in the herb garden.

They are also delicious in a bedtime pot of tea,

or more properly, an herbal tisane.

When the tiny sliver of moon is high,

and the sun sinks low in the western sky,

It is time to close the garden gate.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you comfort.