Three tankas on my garden

Over the last difficult year my garden has been a constant companion and a source of renewal and strength. Here are three tankas composed in thanks for my garden.

I

Freshly dug earth
Opens its arms for rain.
Here dreams were planted.
Yesterday, my flowers died.
Tomorrow, my ferns will grow.

II

Plants await planting
Atop a stone ledge beside
Prepared and dug ground.
The rain came freely last night
To fill my exhausted soul.

III

Light-filled, book-wrought cell
My sweet pandemic jailor
Turn your eyes outside
Where silver leaves shine in sun
And dogs bark away nothing.