Yesterday, I led a school community service field trip to the local Marra Community farm. The farm relies on volunteers and a couple of full-time employees to keep it running. Its late winter in Seattle now and it is a busy time for the farming/gardening community. Lots has to be done from weeding to preparing the soil, planting, transplanting and so on. The produce from the farm goes to local food banks and other organizations that support needy folks in the area.
I have worked in the garden before but not in a long time. I sort of knew what to expect but not really. We got there and were told that the most help was needed in wedding out a bed and laying compost onto it. We got to work right away -- digging out the weeds, then pulling them out, shaking the soil off them before setting them aside on the pathway. We worked slowly and quietly as the cool morning air chilled our noses and the chirping of the birds soothed us. With each dig we would discover more than just weeds -- herb sprouts, potatoes from the last season, worms and other bugs. It was like digging into a treasure chest -- the treasure chest of life. We worked away silently for almost an hour -- our silence broken periodically by answering questions from the sole full-time employee of the farm. When I wasnt speaking, I felt an inexpressible harmony -- one, in which, my hands and the soil worked together. No thoughts. No chatter. Just the earth and my hands.
As the morning wore on, the sun peeked from behind the hillside and warmed our backs. We went on to fill wheel-barrows with compost so we could lay it on to the de-weeded bed. I had never shoveled earth into a wheel-barrow or wheeled a barrow. I underestimated how hard the whole exercise would be. By the time I did my fourth round of filling the barrow, wheeling it 300 feet away to the bed, laying the compost and wheeling back, my arms had gotten a solid workout. I realized first hand how hard it is to work on the farm. The hard work kept me quiet -- both verbally and mentally.
I dont know if these words can quite capture the quiet that the farm work brought to my mind and body. I guess they just cannot -- because there were no words there, anywhereh!
Yes. Farm work, yard work - and such - is quite taxing. We were just cleaning out the yard last sunny Sunday and it was quite tiring - but at the same time so rewarding - and in a funny way - relaxing ! Go figure !!
Posted by: Lop | March 02, 2005 at 10:39 PM