inch by inch and row by row

We brought the salvia greggii

Scent of the west

the westringia fruiticosa

out of the Mediterranean

the lavandula Goodwin Creek

California's fecund riches

Young citrus too, a tradition

Round these parts

Dropped them into the clay of dry Ojai

Gave them sustenance from Lake Casitas

Made fertile with friend's words

the laughter of children

And some sweat from the old men

Bent with their hopes

for the same kids running over

This sanctified dirt

Where some day we will

stain our shirts and dresses with

pomegranite and peach nectar