Fallow Grounds

The merchant returns,                     the port cheers him and there he anchors,                         to resupply his empty hold. Old farmland horses pull carts down the docks         to his great vessel.

Hooves plod         the sea-drenched harbor,         smells of salt moisten the air.                 Wooden wheels clatter                         past rowing fishermen who’ve come to port         from the City’s warrens                 for the morning market                         opening onto the bay and brine,

        the merchant poises his back and locks his neck, clapping his hands                 with festive shouts                         reading the docket,                         and to insure this voyage’s goods,                                 he eyes the curious mariners                                         asking him about the itinerary                                         and ready to work         Unloading and hauling, his sailors arrange                 the fresh crates in aisles and towers,

        But one plunges and cracks                 against the long planks of the dock. The men push with their legs         and hoist the box                 onto the ship         The merchant frowns, for his cargo                 poured a trail of seeds splashing in the bay, rippling forth,         along the dock, being crushed under heels,                 this great gift dropped, lost in the waters.                 He gathers handfuls rescuing them in his pockets                         and spurs his crew aboard                 to stow the good seed in the ship’s dark belly.   The merchant orders his mooring lines loosed         and sails to fallow grounds,                 carrying life against famine                         for revitalizing the dormant earth,                 increasing the field’s borders                         and for planting new fields,                 sowing abroad his resting freight                         unto ends from north and south,                                 in all nations from east to dusk.