these plants, these flowers
you planted years ago
are still there in your garden of truths
have they changed? you ask, have they grown?

look and tend that which took root
placed in your soil so long ago
have some become shrubs, trees even
while others have withered and died?

are some lost in a jungle of weeds?
those stronger plants that will take over given the chance
was that tree there last time you looked
or was it just a sapling that appeared of its own volition?

so tend your garden and cultivate what matters
tenderly feeding those truths that have found the kind sun
that brings warmth from the skies
and listen, listen to the birds who sing signs of love