What is that glint

                as the sod breaks and crumbles:

a sparkling hint

                of discovery

                as I dig the dusty summer soil?

This old garden has gained lost treasures

                of man, woman and child for centuries -

                What lies uncovered?

 

Teased from the clod

                I find a tiny glass heart and this symbol

breaks mine, for here

                is cached my soul

                with the mortal dust of all I ever loved.

In this plot her ashes lie at peace these many years

                yet now it sends a sign: weathered, soil-scuffed

                But still its facets shine

 

Leaning on my spade

                I rub it clean and buff it on my sleeve

tenderly, as if hers

                was restored to me

                each dusty face shines her passion.

Though time has passed and other memories fade

                I see her standing in her garden's sun

                As clearly as this heart

 

For many years we lived

                to love our cottage family home and plot

they passed too fast, and now

                I stay alone,

                sons grown to family fields anew.

But this earth's glass heart will hold my soul intact

                numen of her lovely presence here:

                My years can pass in peace