Tabitha's Garden

Just when daybreak barely flickers, two pearls already shine. 
a silent pause, a breath of the tepid air
on the low wooden steps, she'd recline
 smoothing her silver hair.

as the broom leave marks on the sodden earth
yesterday's foliage slowly heap
along with it the dampened dirt.
Morn's no time for sleep. 

brilliant red gumamela, dull purplish cordyline
moistened by the morning dew.
 the day's glistening sunbeam
illuminate the flowers of fulgent hue

slow and steady dribbles of sweat
slide off her craggy face
arms faintly blocking the tender heat
reveal the harsh lines of the years

the morning rituals done
-time to wake the slumbering child
casting one last glance at the gleaming sun
she turned her back and gently smiled.