Cultivated by artistic hands

Pockets of excellence

Are tucked away behind Brownstones

In alleyways, along fences

 Beneath windows.

Contained specifically for

Adherence to the limitation

Of space and light

Small gardens flourish

Where concrete brick and mortar dominate.

More than creating a living palette for

Personal expression

Urban gardeners also yearn to

Till, grow and nurture.

Hand tools are retrieved from storage.

 Phones are silenced. Messages forwarded.

Music is heard.

With sacks of soil, flats of flower and herb

 Plots are transformed until

 Color is balanced with texture

 Size with proportion.

In pots or boxes, on patio or porch

Blooms are pruned to perfection

Then punctuated

By sculpture and settee.

Neither Mac nor PC, are invited here.

 Books rule!

Such are these fertile oases

Tranquil harbors which dilute the cacophony of the city.

Intended for respite to refresh and reflect

They are sanctuaries for human, bird and butterfly.