Ground Cover

Like the ivy vine in the woods

that slowly kills the trees,

the seed of hate in your heart,

if left unchecked, will

choke out all the love.

When you feel the barb of

loathing as she enters the room,

pull it out! Pull it out by the roots

and throw it into the fire!

Do not leave any minutia

to reestablish itself. Use the

sharpest spade to dig deep

and remove all lingering

remnants of its roots.

In its place plant a ground cover

of forgiveness and compassion,

nourish it, so that the choking vine

of bitterness cannot find

its way back into your heart.

Naida Lavon

Sept. 10, 2021