I've put in my time.

tending the contentedness
fertilizing with kindness
weeding out the negativity and judgements
planting the hope
found the best varieties of humor and compassion
for the most bountiful friendships

I'm cultivating my garden of life
and growing the woman I want to be

the joy in a puppies eyes

the gentle flutter of leaves in the breeze

the moment sunshine hits your face after being in the shade

the embrace of a dear friend

an "im thinking of you" text

a strange smile on the street
or hand reaching out to you what you've dropped

a held door

a kind smile

the summer breeze and sunshine on your face
winding down dirt backroads in Vermont

it's a magical moment, months later
when you realize you're happy
truly, truly, happy
like you swore you'd never be
you're happy again

I wonder
how many words
have sat on the tip
of your tongue,
waiting to take the plunge
into the world outside,
but have held back
in fear of the fall-

and I wonder
how different your life would be
had those words been set free.

Saying goodbye
To someone you love
Is like reading the final page
Of an amazing book.

As the last chapter ends
You begin to notice
Just how beautiful
And perfect
The plot always was.  

You appreciate the joy
And even the pain
As you read and thumb
Through every page.

Finally understanding
The moral of the story,
You realize you've reached
The end of this journey.

Although the last sentence  
Is the most difficult to read
Another great book awaits
Once you turn the final page.

Eventually you may stumble
Upon yet another great find.
Or maybe you'll return
To the book you left behind.

You may just discover
Once all is said and done
That this particular book  
Was your favorite story
All along.