Ode to the Stirrup Hoe

By: Mindy Brooks

Oh, slicer of weeds and

protector of back.

We were introduced,

oh agitator of soil, and

I stood tall, gloved hands

gripped tight, and scraped

you between the rows.

No more shall I crouch,

slouch and contort to

pick the cheat grass and

clover from between

the beats and carrots.

No more shall I spend

hours, shoulders crimson

from sun, sweat running

into my eyes,

to free the radish starts

from parslane invaders.

With no small contribution

from you, twice fold,

the garden has expanded.

Full-time office workers,

parents, we can

handle the work load

with aide of the stirrup hoe!