pruning

pruning, thinning
the brush, cutting
back the weeds
that choke the beauty
and soul
out of a garden.
digging up the bramble,
the vines that
wrap and break
the fence, softens
the brick as it
climbs up the wall.
cutting away
the dead branches,
the poison ivy,
sweeping up the leaves
that pile into
corners, heavy
and wet. getting
rid of everything
that isn't true
or brings beauty
to the yard and me.
it's hard work, but
it has to be done.