Compost Bin

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 COMPOST BIN


“Take with you words and return to the Lord” — Hosea 14:2


Even if it’s across the yard. 


Even if it’s words as unassuming as earth-

worm, banana peel, orange rind,  

and other odds and ends

we happen by in this pile of castings


we meddle in. Even if, shouldering 

the weight of such words 

on our tongues and the tips 

of our pens, we come to the real-

ization that the returning must happen

again tomorrow, and tomorrow. 


Even then, when there’s no finishing

and nothing to show for our faith-

fullness but a pile of inarticulate 

dirt and a few sprouts

we didn’t know about, let us return,


opening to the light our few true leaves

as we dream of vegetables so thick

they speak for themselves.

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