This poem is dedicated to the memory of
Barbara Jeanne Law nee Ford (1949-2005)
The lowly grasses grow wild under the Alberta sky.
The bisons feed on it and grow strong.
The bees thrive on the sweet wild flowers of summer.
The field mice live, hide and frolic in the dense growth.
Man trampled it and ripped it up to develop the land.
What is it that she sees that makes her sigh?
Is it the beauty in different hues against the western sky?
What is it that she sees that makes her ooh and aah?
Is it the colourful picture nature paints against the prairie landscape?
What is it that sees that captures her imaginations?
Is it the gentle rustling sounds in the autumn breeze that whispers to her heart?
What is it that she sees that enchanted her at first sight?
Is it the uniqueness each blade holds and the splendor of summer flowers that beckons her?
What is it that she sees that cause her to enjoy the wild grasses when others would tread them under their feet?
Is it their resilience against the forces of nature as they return each spring that she admires?
What is it their she sees that moves her spirit in the midst of more important matters?
Is it in the sweet smell of the flowering wild grasses that gives her such delights?
Is it her way of responding to the handiworks of the Almighty Creator?
I dare say I do not know. Maybe it is all these things.
It is the same heart and spirit that delight in the forever changing lines of the sculptured winter snow in the blowing Arctic winds.
It is the same heart and spirit that smile in wonder at the sight of clouds upon clouds upon clouds travelling across the western sky.
Some call it romantic and others call it artistic appreciation or love of nature.
It is much, much more than that!
I believe Almighty God has touched her heart and eyes to behold the magnificence and glory of His creation.
It is because her spirit soars on heaven’s wings while many remain earthbound.
Let your eyes and heart eat, drink and breathe of Him, my love.
He has created the wild grasses for you that you may sing praises of Him.
Bless His precious name and worship Him.
His love says it all, in His Son, for you and for me.
