Everyone Has Weeds

I’ve been looking with

disdain at the

weeds in front

of my porch, coming

up through the year-old

mulch. April and I pulled

them out weeks

ago, but the rain and

heat encouraged

their return.

I notice

across the street

where I’ve

been admiring my

neighbor’s beautiful

multi-colored petunias,
that they are
also beset

by weeds—some

taller than the flowers.

It occurs to

me that everyone has

weeds. I take a walk with

Mother God through

the garden of my

heart. There’s that

harshness of speech that

keeps coming back no

matter how many

times I yank it out; and

anxiety and worry

come up through the

cracks around unbelief and

sloth. As through my

tears I once again

confess, She reminds

me to smell the fragrant

blooms and buds that

are also rooted

there.

from my porch

8/7/12

Nancy Perkins