We have a slice of prairie in front
Farmland restored to natural state
A meadow, our driveway\u2019s open gate<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Path markers invite me to wander in
Invitation easily forgotten
with everything else that needs to be done<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the meadow\u2019s
summer canvas<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alas Canada Thistle —<\/p>\n\n\n\n
an unwelcome guest
scourge of the Midwest
deemed a noxious pest<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most likely brought to this country
by settlers long ago
Its seeds mixed inadvertently
with seeds they meant to sow<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These thistle flowers have to go
always a chore in the meadow
Bold purple accents here and there
placed as if with an artist\u2019s care<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, now that the chore is done
I am accepting the invitation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
with regret for not accepting sooner
How easily small things glide by
the small things which really matter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time is just a meandering stream
as I trace my way through the meadow<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cares recede like an ebbing tide
as butterflies dance in the summer sun<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How quickly my heart returns the smile
of a nodding yellow bloom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To wander its paths is balm for my soul
Where they may lead I never know<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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David Radford is a retired college professor who loves gardening and the great outdoors. Creative writing has been a welcome change from the technical writing his career demanded.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n