National Poetry Month 2018
Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden
My dog lies heavy as the storm moves through.
Worry keeps him close.
Rain streaks the window with tears.
We are safe inside.
Infinite line of tangled roots and vines,
God’s garden grows wild.
Endless labyrinth of life to life.
We are safe inside.
–Margaret Simon (c) 2018
Commentary: In this poem, I began with what was happening in the moment. A storm was pounding, and my dog was afraid. I held him on my lap. As he relaxed, much like an infant, he became heavier on my lap. I then moved to the drawing for interpretation. I saw the white lines as the lines of connection of humanity. When I looked for a synonym for connection, I found labyrinth which alliterated with life to life.
From PoemCrazy #25: “there may be a measurable field of energy for the buzz of life around moments and things. Poems are alive this way. When a poem comes to me I have to tend to it like a small fish, a possum, a snake or a puppy, depending on the poem. It’s often kicking and unruly.”
Reflections on the Teche 
This is beautiful. I am sitting and waiting right now. I’m going to use your process. Thank you friend to friend. Life to life.
I like how you weave what’s happening in your life to what’s happening in the picture. I really like the assonance in the first lines of the second stanza & the alliteration along with the choice of labyrinth is effective, too.
I am shocked to discover (and apologetic) that I have missed all your father’s wonderful art so far and the poems you are making from them. His style is both of a time and timeless, colorless but evocative. I haven’t had time to read your writing properly, but what a wonderful project, Margaret!
Your beginning line really anchors me in the moment. “My dog lies heavy as the storm moves through.” I love that you share your thoughts and process.