Folkloric

Laying bark
and pulling weeds
on my hands and knees,
gritty with dirt and sweat,
I looked up,
and this was my view.
Above my own toil
soared boats of magnolia petals
and stars of sweet-smelling Osmanthus.
I laughed with delight
at the surprise and beauty of it,
and realized
that I felt beautiful too--
hair in my face
and earth on my cheeks,
but strong,
and working hard,
and full of love,
for the living things around me.