Taking Root

We relocated the plants today–
disrupted whole ecosystems
unseen to our eyes.
We had to make room
for the new extension.
The gardener said
the plants might not take root
in their new soil–
but we had to take a chance.

Every hour
I go out to drench the earth
with water–
to help the hydrangeas,
feed the fuchsia,
save the strawberries–
and I’m reminded of
something I can’t put my finger on.

Then
I recall those two years we spent
trying to bring you into the world,
and the seed that failed
before you–
took root,
but then wilted
and died,
bleeding out of me
like rose petals
dropping out of season.

I grew up in a desert
and never knew much about
keeping plants alive–
never even cared.
Now,
every hour
I go out to drench the earth
with water–
to help the hydrangeas,
feed the fuchsia,
save the strawberries.