A row of seven stems, flowers, and a small mound of roots and soil below, with pale blue life beyond.

As I gaze upon this work I think of tending a garden, growth, and good health. The style reminds me of nineteenth century botanic illustration. A time in England of vegetable allotments and kitchen gardens.

The shared height of an array of flora is curious and speaks of solidarity, as if reaching a goal at the same time and place. I also think of how those things of greatest value that are given are as a result of someone investing their time and care for the benefit of another.

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The All and None of This

I need air, not just to breathe, but for its open sky.

I need water, not just to drink, but to float,

To swim,

To cry.

I need food, not just to live, but for its fuel of time,

To be,

Of being with.

To make I need the share of air, of water, food, of you.

To love I need the all and none of this,

The kiss of life,

The touch of dew.

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This work forms part of the publication Encyclopedia Utopia.

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