In my back yard there lives a garden gnome.
I bought him from a wizard long ago.
I put him there in his forever home
to guard the grass and watch the pansies grow.
But he does more to earn his keep. His trace
of magic keeps unfriendly winds at bay.
Pink roses sprinkle petals on his face.
Petunias love him in a tender way.
His kingdom thrives. I only wish I knew
how he can make a weeping willow sing
or form tiaras from the morning dew
to crown the heads of tulips in the spring.
If not for him those daisies by the wall
would scarcely have the will to bloom at all.

Published on September 1st, 2022