The One Stark Truth

Posted on October 3, 2019 by

43 Comments

Lovebird remains, Mesa, AZ

“No matter how many plans you make or how much in control you are, life is always winging it.” 

― Carroll Bryant

The days are finally cooler so I find myself spending more time in the garden. There is a lot to do in fall here in my desert oasis. It’s a time to prune the roses, trim bushes and cleaning up from the monsoons. With sadness, I remove what’s left of once vibrant plants that did not survive the baking heat of summer.

This morning as I am trimming the rampant herbs, I come across the remains of a love bird. I’m not sure how he died, it could have been in a myriad of ways. A stray cat that frequents the garden may have gotten lucky, only to realize this is not your typical tasty bird. A rodent may have found its way in and took its life. Or, as we humans do every day, it may have died from old age.

If ever there is one stark truth evident in the garden, it is this- the endless cycle of life and death. Come spring when I plant flowers and vegetables, life is blooming all around me. In summer, there is the slow deterioration and plants die in the burning sun. After over twenty years of gardening in the desert, I know there is no amount of water that will ease its intensity.

October is a month of contemplation and introspection for me. I turned another year older on the first and I know, like the lovebird, my time grows shorter with each passing day. I cherish every breath of life and each coming of another season, grateful I am still here.


autumn renewal
life and death, a garden’s truth
in every veined leaf

©2021 Linda Lee Lyberg

Poets United: Midweek Motif Truth

dVerse Poets Pub: OLN #252

Category: PoetryTags: , , , ,

43 Comments on “The One Stark Truth”

  5. It is usually through stumbling upon expired birds and animals that we get our first glimpse of death. Ten funerals later, it becomes less shocking and more inevitable.

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  7. October, as the prologue of AUTUMN, is definitely a time of reflection. I am one of those strange birds that enjoys a bit of introspection, even melancholy — so I do love this time of year, this is a lovely haibun Linda.

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  9. Despite what we say or how we do it life goes on, and enjoy our everyday that is given to us, is my main aim… Adored your Autumn Haiku Linda………

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  10. Happy birthday to you. Lovey haibun, with deep thoughts on life and death. I also like the autumn season as it is my time to look inside and contemplate on my coming days. Have a great week.

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  12. I take great delight in the turning of the seasons, and the garden’s truth…….so reassuring that life follows these cycles, even amidst all the chaos created by humankind. I remember my gardening days – how fulfilling they were. Nor I garden on a small balcony, but it still brings me great joy.

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  16. I hope that when looking back I have not wasted the days that were given to me, especially as I still have the urge to keep writing and laughing and enjoying my family as well as chatting with strangers as there is no reason why you shouldn’t keep learning something in life.

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