A Romantic Poet's View of Gardening.......

The Gentle Gardener
by Edgar Guest
I'd like to leave but daffodils to mark my little way,
To leave but tulips red and white behind me as I stray;
I'd like to pass away from earth and feel I'd left behind
But roses and forget-me-nots for all who come to find.

I'd like to sow the barren spots with all the flowers of earth,
To leave a path where those who come should find but gentle mirth;
And when at last I'm called upon to join the heavenly throng
I'd like to feel along my way I'd left no sign of wrong.

And yet the cares are many and the hours of toil are few;
There is not time enough on earth for all I'd like to do;
But, having lived and having toiled, I'd like the world to find
Some little touch of beauty that my soul had left behind.

...And A Realist's View
found in London on a gardening notepad

IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR A FEW HOURS GET DRUNK
IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR A WEEKEND GET MARRIED
IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR A WEEK BUTCHER A PIG
IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY FOR ALL YOUR LIFE LONG
BECOME A GARDENER.

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