to school and then: On the way to pick-up They cried cracking, drying out abandoned parched dying. Returning home, Pausing And considering alongside her son, and the other school children; Mounting and conquering The tossed aside. Declaring among the children In the sandlot, Near the fence: "Found! Trees!" Becoming Mary Hoping for green and life and growth. Potential garden Overlooked. Found. Rubbish and sand. Mary lifted them, One sandpaper trunk in each hand. Soil trailing Roots perpendicular Determined peaceful feet Traveling Light-hearted, home amongst the children. Forgetting how to clap their hands Yellow leaves clinging, Crying. Green hoping. Mary, Dickon, and Colin Valuing Loving Giving Believing Replanting Awaiting Tending Pruning Redeeming Green rising.