These few beans

These few beans
Beginning as an idea in shivery February
Searching for what to plant in the spring
Ordering the seeds
Planning where to plant them
Deciding to give all my family and friends big jars of dried beans
Hoping spring comes soon
Carrying out the plan in April
Labeling what is planted where: at the home and community garden
Watering, watching, waiting
Bursting forth with strong stems
Succumbing to hungry slugs, just a few
Planting a few more in the empty spots
Growing strong and tall
Blooming with beautiful flowers, all different colors
Bursting with little beans
Getting bigger every day
Picking and eating some pods
Thanking the soil, sun and water for nourishing us all
Leaving the bigger beans to dry
Hoping for lots to harvest for the long winter
Enjoying all the different colors and sizes
Wondering the best time to pick, dry and shell the beans
Collecting beans in a paper bag
Drying the beans in the attic
Separating the pods from the beans inside
Wondering how stores can sell dried beans for so little money
Thanking the people and machines which do this work for so many of us
Composting the pods
Setting aside a few beans for planting next year
Purchasing a few small jars
Giving these beans to 3 special people who will appreciate the journey of
These few beans