The Shed Notebook: National Poetry Month: "An Observation"

An Observation 

True gardeners cannot bear a glove
Between the sure touch and the tender root,
Must let their hands grow knotted as they move
With a rough sensitivity about
Under the earth, between the rock and shoot,
Never to bruise or wound the hidden fruit.
And so I watched my mother's hands grow scarred,
She who could heal the wounded plant or friend
With the same vulnerable yet rigorous love;
I minded once to see her beauty gnarled,
But now her truth is given me to live,
As I learn for myself we must be hard
To move among the tender with an open hand,
And to stay sensitive up to the end
Pay with some toughness for a gentle world.

May Sarton

I have always had a collection of gardening gloves close, but I too find it hard to use them. I want to feel those plants with my fingers. My mom was better at wearing gloves, but she still had hands that showed toughness and hard work.  Her hands also had a gentle touch. My hands are the same.