delayed gratification

Gardening is an act of optimism. Toil and sweat today for the hope of future bloom. Thursday, I optimistically planted 55 tulip bulbs in my front yard.

While my
last gardening endeavor was abandoned for West Virginia after but a week, I believe this will fare better. The patch of dirt where there once was grass now needs only to rest before winter and to build strength before spring. One day, after the frost and snow finally cease, a leaf will poke out of the ground. Then two, perhaps three. They’ll grow and flower and for a week in March or April or May, effort from long ago will be rewarded.

But for now, I have dirt under nails, sore muscles and a front yard with a bordered patch of dirt.