He stands on the porch
surveying the landscape
Years of churning soil
planting watering fertilizing
They say women turn to gardening
in the years after childbearing
But in this household
the role reversed
My husband the laborer
giving birth, nurturing, coddling
Until now each plant can stand
on its own, propagate families
The universe did not provide
grandchildren in our lives
Instead, we sit out each night
look out over the blooming expanse
Take compliments from strangers
passing by enjoying the beauty
My husband guffaws as I beam
“It’s all his doing.”
The proud PawPaw
His family fills the yard
[Prompt 7: Look on your phone and find the 10th non-selfie picture and use that as your prompt.]
What a beautiful poem – it’s very clear that you admire and care for your husband’s work and your celebration of his constant application lies in every line. Life may not have given you grandchildren, but there is flourishing love and attention here. Gorgeous.