THE GNOME'S GARDEN

Centuries of opprobrium
Had taken their toll.
Vilification and sarcasm
Had eaten my soul.

Exhausted
I sought a tranquil place
Where poking faces
Toothy sneers
And raucous laughter
Faded into distant memory.

And here I have it.
My new garden
Is a haven
Where leaves and petals
Grow wild and eccentric

No lawnmower, dog or boy
To cause me fear

Only the early birds
The midday basking cats
And familiars of the night
Sing and purr and snuffle
And keep our secrets.