Fallow

By Debra Louise Scott

 
I lay fallow.

There have been times I have exploded with
Fragrance, ringed about with bees
Waiting to taste my pollen.

There have been times when my fields fed
Rich nourishment to those who walked beside me

There have been times when seeds lay dormant
Squirming impatiently under the dark, cold soil

There have been times I have unfolded, stretched, and
Birthed in the first spring rain

But not today.

Remnants of seed and dried blossoms lay across my skin
Chaff from past harvests tickles my nose
I neither cultivate nor gather.
I do not turn the soil

I lay fallow, resting.
Letting nutrition return to my scarred body
Quietly fed by the midwife of time

It will be time to plant again one day
But not today

Today, I lay fallow