Her Body was a Garden
by S.E.Linn
Her body was a garden,
he'd harvest every day.
Peony lips
and rose hips,
He would pick and pluck away.
Come right in and help yourself,
for there's plenty to go around.
But he'd never rake,
just simply take
until her soul became rootbound.
Her heart was ripe and ruby red,
a poppy oh so fine.
Her words would flow,
and his weeds would grow
as he bound her lips with twine.
Her arms were tiger lilies,
wrapped around him tight.
But when he was in her garden,
there was never any light.
At night she'd lie awake and cry,
hot teardrops soaked the soil.
Seeping down beneath the ground,
he caused her seeds of love to boil.
What grew instead of flowers
in her garden deep inside,
was a white hot ball of heat and light,
that fed off hate and pride.
His welcome in her garden bed
had ended like July.
Then when he tried to take his stake,
she thought she'd rather die.
She sat down in her garden and wept,
for what was dead inside.
Oh, my darling, now shift your gaze
to what remains alive.
Her garden started back to life,
The moment he was gone.
Flowers bloomed, birds and bees,
bold crickets sang their songs.
Trumpet vines unfolded,
there was jasmine on the air.
She plucked a purple lupine,
and tucked it snugly in her hair.
She twirled and danced under the moon,
like wildflowers in the wind.
She was the magic garden,
And it was like he'd never been.
About the Creator
S.E.Linn
S. E. Linn is an award-winning, Canadian author whose works span creative fiction, non fiction, travel guides, children's literature, adult colouring books, and cookbooks — each infused with humor, heart, and real-world wisdom.
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 5 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (2)
Oh thank you Cindy! I appreciate that so much.
The rhythm of this poem is as perfect as the lyrical story. Well done. I absolutely love your writing style.