TILLING THE EARTH
Lawrence Miles
I was following the conversation
when you were accused
and the mob formed instantly
I knew you were innocent and said nothing
Chose no side believing that
Washing my hands as Pilate was enough
I returned months later
seeing the lone seedling in the scorched earth
reaching for the sunlight
That seedling gave inspiration
and I said to you
βI would like to try again if you will let meβ
and you did
The earth is bountiful again with a restored sky
and I cannot imagine
who I would be if I had not tried
The mob has dispersed
taking away their platform of lies
while I stand in silent gratitude
Thank you for showing me
the earth will always heal itself
if given the chance
I will do my best not to let you down again.
Lawrence Miles is a poet living in White Plains, NY. His work can be read at lawrencemiles.substack.com.