These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Rearranging the Yard

Spirea tilts and then it falls.
The massive rootball I can't lift.
Two days I've dug to thus dislodge.
How can I move this wondrous gift?

So quickly comes the helpful thought,
"The elevator method use."
I thank the Lord for His Insights.
Then quick my movements and profuse.

The elevator method means
to lift the plant upon its side,
then shovel dirt where it will lie
when lifting the other side with pride
to do it all, again.

So, back and forth, and inch by inch
the heavy rootball lifts with joy.
When near the lip of this deepish hole,
I brace and grunt and push employ.

With one more lift the wagon's full,
the heavy pulling to its home
make bones and muscles start to ache.
At last from the couch, I'll not soon roam.

Tomorrow, I must dig the hole
much wider than I did at first.
The rootball's larger than I thought.
Such work will cause much greater thirst.

Spirea will be soon ensconced.
The cedar mulch in beauty laid,
but then the next friend I'll assay
to move forsythia, make the grade.

by Jay O'Toole
on January 15th, 2020