Sitting in the Shadow’s saddle,
I weave through gentle curves and sloping hills,
feeling surging power from twin cylinders,
the soft rumble of chrome pipes
and responsive throttle vibrating through gloved hands
as I pass through miles of fertile land.

Nearing Valley Falls, the deepening green
of northeastern Kansas spring polishes its sheen
in splotches of sunlight passing through broken sky.

Hard-tilled fields wait for warmer temps
to send seed sprouting into the light,
an ancient calling toward growing 
and the perennial hope of autumn yields.

Recent rains have brought the needed gain of moisture
into the heart of dark soil but a hard freeze two nights ago
punctuates several days of lower-than-average daytime highs.

It takes more than one thing in our lives,
something to both sprout and nourish the better seeds,
something more than a day or two of needed sun
to move us into the sure run of growth 
and fruitful bearing that fulfills purpose and desire:

a fellowship anchored in the fire of faith,
sustained by hope and forged in love,
and hands working together the fruitful work
of hearts set on the things that are above.


H. Arnett
4/25/2023