Neighbors

Having lived in the city for so long Where privacy exists only inside The concrete for my backyard The sidewalk for my front yard I hear neighbors to the top I hear neighbors on both sides And the traffic never stops

Moving to the country days ago Where distance seems too far Wild ravine for a backyard Field of weeds for a front yard Neighbors houses are but dots Down the narrow winding road Where traffic rarely goes

Discovering a garden long forgotten In between the weeds tomatoes hide Bringing order of the city To the chaos of the country Whacking with the iron hoe Cleaning out the clogged rows So I can walk satisfied

Staring out the window into dusk The reddening tomatoes my pride After weeks of careful pruning Green fruits are now turning But new neighbors have seen He sneaks from the ravine And the fox steals his feast

- Kathleen N. Listman