If there’s one good thing about weeding, it makes the world slow down.
You can’t work on the computer, or your phone.
Unless you’re a bluetooth person.
Nothing against bluetooth people . . .
You can listen to music, but I don’t.
Sometimes I wish I were listening to music, mainly to uproot some other snippet of a pop song out of my head.
Don’t speak.
I know just what you’re sayin’.
But while weeding, I can usually think, at least a little bit.
I think about weeds.
I might even philosophize.
About weeds.
I could learn a lot from weeds; masters of survival, of resilience.
From chickweed, I could learn to be so useful I make myself indispensable.
From dollar weed and creeping charlie, I could learn to plant so many roots that no matter where I’m uprooted, I’d always stay grounded somewhere, and from there I could grow again.
From bermuda grass and smartweed, to let go and sacrifice a part of myself rather than hold on and risk losing it all.
From plantain, to dig in deep and hold on tight.
From prostrate spurge, to keep a low profile and adapt to grow in inhospitable places.
From creeping woodsorrel, to blend into the background when need be.
From horse nettle, to develop defenses that make it painful to threaten me.
From hairy bittercress, to far-fling my ideas in hopes they’ll take root somewhere.
And from cleavers, to attach myself to things that are going places.
From all the weeds, to thrive in poor soil and drought, where the more delicate and needy plants fail.
Too much time alone in the weeds?
No doubt.
Love the article and your site! Thank you for this. When I need to settle my thoughts, I head out to my lawn and garden and weed! Lately, I’ve been spending hours doing this as (1) I have a lot of things on my mind and (2) a lot more weeds! I thought I was the only one; it’s nice to know there’s a kindred spirit out there…just wish I was as poetic! Thanks again.
Lol…love your humor.
Wow, you ALMOST made me want to go out and weed! Great post!
Pulling weeds had me thinking the other day. Fighting the ground for our food is our curse but it is also a blessing. One can pull a lot of weeds in the time that it takes to grow a tomato. It is the instant gratification part of gardening. The weed comes out of the ground rather quickly and after a short time, one can really see a difference. This feeling doesn’t last because feelings never do. You have to pay attention and work for that satisfied feeling. Then, while you’re out there working on this mundane chore, you notice your first tomatoes of the season and there’s the real joy. God grew that tomato and you helped!
Wonderful piece. Thank you.
Mattie–;) Thanks.
Paije–hahaha! Thank you.
Anita–Beautiful analysis. You are so right.
Michelle–I appreciate your kindness, thank you.
Those were great metaphors. I enjoyed reading that. I don’t know what State you live in, but we have those exact same weeds here in Oklahoma.
you forgot be fruitful and multiply!
Ron–Thank you.We’re in TN. I guess weed resiliency extends to the ability to withstand a range of climates.
Love how you turn weeding into learning for me! I have learned new names for my weeds.