Day Nineteen

Plough the Fields

The blade sinks deep into the soil

To prepare the fallow ground

As we open up our secret place

Where our real selves are to be found

As we plant into each others’ soil

As this garden we prepare

The seeds we plant will bring forth life

And a harvest we can share.

As we nurture all the seedlings

As we tend and dress the field

As we prune and weed the garden

Of our shared lives we will yield

The mystery of community

As a crop of companions we raise

As we cultivate commitment

And we learn the meaning of grace

Together we’re more that we can be

More than the sum of our parts

We count the cost of communion

And the intimate union of our hearts

As we nurture all the seedlings

As we tend and dress the field

As we prune and weed the garden

Of our shared lives we will yield

The mystery of community

As a crop of companions we raise

As we cultivate commitment

And we learn the meaning of grace.

Anthony Foster February 5, 2003