Wanderings

@ Denver's Botanical Gardens, 2022

Apparently, one should never go to the gardens alone,

or so says the kind old man, with the puzzled face,

who hesitantly sells me my ticket,

despite his silent reservations.

“There are dangers you see.” He wants to tell me.

Instead he remains quiet.

The bamboo will sing your ancestors’ songs, you see.

The prairie grasses will whisper secrets in your ear.

The lillies will mourn your loss.

The daisies will encourage your vanity.

The rivers will cleanse away your sin.

The herbs will nourish your body.

The lotus will open for you alone.

The shadows will call to your soul.

The trees will teach you the ancient ways again.

“Clearly, one should not visit the gardens alone,” I must agree.

because Mother Earth, with her arms held open,

waits patiently, just to spite the old man's reservations.