Soul Food Cafe Patrons

Regeneration by Jenny Aarts

hop off the wilted bit

when a cycle ends

cut it back ruthlessly

the stump will heal sooner than you think

if you don’t pick at it

let healthy new growth sprout

and cover the scar

don’t regret or look back

leap forward in the new direction

snip weak tendrils out

so the strongest can strengthen

if you nurture with love

they’ll blossom

bear fruit

harvest the fruit

take pride in its perfection

acknowledge your success

preserve some for winter

start a new growing cycle