"Creation" is the opening poem of my book, "Vegetables and Other Relationships."

A proud and expectant parent,
I thrill at this womb, my garden.

From conception
through gestation,
I feed, I nourish,
I orchestrate each natal step.
No change in weight
nor switch in position
escapes my watchful eye.
I am heavy with hope.

I treasure each meager thump
as swedlings kick through soil
in search of their first whit of breath.
I marvel anew at the miracle,
the lively folds of tiny green fingers.

I beam like I've delivered a world.