Wonder and Work
by Elena Limoges
Stray away in the cool of the day
there’s a peach tree in my garden.
The iron table stands barely used,
and I struggle to straighten my spine.
A world of wonder behind and before me,
radiant hues behind the leaves.
And yet inside, these clothes
remain crumpled in menacing heaps.
Willows whisper ancient secrets;
the breaking and mending of earth.
Yet, vicious my venom
that licks those whom I’ve birthed.
Beauty forgotten, ages from Eden
a blank page now blinks to taunt me,
scribble and grasp at the notion, and still
there’s nothing here to proffer.
Wander now from the desert desk,
walk the path and glance down at the rubble,
a pearlescent dew-strewn leaf shimmers,
beckons, and winks.
An invitation to pause and luxuriate,
to inhale,
and consume.
To soak in
the goodness that grows here.
Elena Limoges is a writer living on the West Side of Chicago. She tells stories of God’s goodness with a focus on home, beauty, and belonging. When she is not caring for her two small sons, you can find her cooking, delving into audiobooks, and discovering new coffee shops around the city. Connect with her at
Awake Our Hearts 