Watching a garden grow

By Mike Aspros
The Portland Upside
July 2009

Many arrived here as Mom did,
she from Fresno,
hands squeezing Oregon
rolled up in a magazine.

We relished firs and rivers,
watching moods of weather flexing colors.
Gaping at buildings spouting like dandelions,
pink and white basalt pillars,
edges of silvery gilt,
a few hovering domed cathedrals.

If I could,
would I flip a switch preventing newcomers?
I’d be the greeting party,
leading a ticker-tape parade raining rose pedals.
The city’s chosen you like a perfect strawberry.
Newcomers are needed to
cultivate the diversity of roses,
making room for new,
majestic things to grow
replenishing smiles.

Mike Aspros is a native of Portland. He enjoys co-facilitating events within Linnton’s environmental group, preserving Forest Park while building a community of forest stewardship, in addition to writing poetry.