Garden of Grace

Plunging her hands
Into rich, dark soil
Honesty of earth
No troubles embroil

Staring into clear water
Who is reflected?
Woman – or girl?

The girl who, running scared
Hid her face?
Or the world-weary woman
Finding solace in
This peaceful place?

Walls which glow in
The sunset hour
Shielding Rapunzel
Escaped from her tower

Encircled now
By the strength
And wisdom
Of ages past

Loved by the land
Holding her in its hand

The beauty and freshness
Of flowers
Returning her powers

No more whirl
For this woman-girl

At peace in this enclave
This sanctified place
Garden of grace

In remembrance of my garden of grace, in a very old place