the spring exercise
Position the shovel.
Place your full weight
on the shovel by standing
on its top rim so the shovel
sinks into the earth.
Rock the shovel back and
forth to loosen the earth.
Leverage it down
and swing up
this small load of earth
out of a brand new hole.
Empty the shovel to the side
Do over. Do over. Do over. Do over.
Remove the container and wrappings
from the plant and set it in the hole.
With a trowel ease the dirt around the plant.
Gently tamp with a thumb or a toe.
Keep filling in with rich loose earth.
Water liberally.
