Margaret's Shamba

– What are you doing today, Margaret?

– In the shamba. Digging.

Digging –

     The earth yields easily,

     willingly receives my hoe

     as collaboration, not attack.

Digging –

     red, brown, living earth…

     smells of herbs, tea, grass and ground…

     gentle African rhythms hover on the wind…

     cool air like velvet on my sweaty skin…

Digging –

     My hands blister

     against the splintered hoe.

     Margaret’s are thick, tough, sensitive.

Digging –

     yesterday we could not,

     but today the rain was light

     and other chores are done.

     Tomorrow is the day of the solstice!

Digging –

     – I want to make a new garden…

          – here, she says,

          – … and here.

Digging –

     – I‘ll help you then, I answer,

     and together in reverent silence

     we dig.

  ~Jembe ardhini, afya mwilini.

  ~ The hoe in the soil brings health to the body.