Jan. 20 - Look Out Your Window And Write What You See

The window view shows a neglected back yard, weeds in the flower beds and vegetable garden, a patchy lawn. A seldom used hammock fills up most of the patio. Empty flower posts are scattered here and there. A broken hummingbird feeder hangs empty from the patio roof. An old dog sighs in his sleep on cool concrete among a tricycle and other outdoor toys.

In better times, husband and wife cuddled on the hammock and napped or read books to each other. The gardens flourished with bright flowers, herbs, and heirloom tomatoes. The dog, younger then, chased after sticks thrown by a little boy. The hummingbird feeder dripped bright red sugar water that attracted the tiny jewel colored creatures to dine.

Though the yard was small, the couple had previously lived in a dreary downtown apartment. This house was paradise to them, a place they could stretch out a little bit and not feel confined by concrete. They were happy and grateful for how far they had come.

That little patch of green held outdoor dinners straight off the grill, birthday parties, long heart felt conversations, and backyard camp outs. Once, under a warm starry night, the couple made love on a blanket in the sweet soft dew covered grass. On sunny days laundry dried in a slight summer breeze, hung across a line that stretched from one end of the small yard to the other.

Then things began to happen. In their struggle with daily life a distance began to creep between the couple. Money problems overwhelmed them. The dog grew old and limped on aching hips. A drought and oppressive heat scorched  the landscape. Suddenly the little space felt confining and no one wanted to go out there anymore. It had become a place of sadness. The curtains were drawn over the window to block out the despair.

But it doesn't end there. Look out the window again. Someone has just recently cleared the garden. A moist and mild winter quenched the dry earth where grass once again grows. The unruly lantana has been trimmed and the lemongrass is coming back. Soon, seeds will be tucked into the ground and flowers filling the empty pots. A new hummingbird feeder will hang with its bounty. When the first seeds burst open with their tender young leaves they will be sprouting new beginnings. Look carefully and you will see hope.