The Garden

The days of children running across the grass
and skipping pebbles in the pond slowly fade.
The sculptured bushes once manicured and well tended
have started to show their neglect.

A path once worn
by the presence of countless footsteps
has grass runners reaching across from opposing sides.
An interrupted hopscotch pattern remains
as a silent reminder
that children once played here.

Overgrowth conceals the pond
and provides hiding places for small creatures.
The weeds extend across the land,
clinging to the fence
like strokes of a fresh coat of paint.
The gardenia bushes push against the fence,
a natural barrier building stronger over time.

The wind carries the fresh scent of flowers
across the garden.
The fragrance, sweet and floral,
encourages pollination of the flowers.

Ivy transforms the bench,
weaving through its frame
with vibrant green leaves.
Moss hangs from the tree branches,
creating a look of tinsel on a Christmas tree.
Decorative nests add to the story of the trees.

An overgrown garden stands alone
in the middle of the city.
Screeching cars announce their presence,
while the exhaust mixes
with the sweet aroma filling the air.

The calmness of the unkept garden
rejoices in the rainbow,
as a well-manicured garden
savors its splendor.

Time has left its mark.