As a youngster in Indiana during the post war era,
numerous "Victory Gardens" still existed in "Suburbia"
and bordering rural areas.
The "Summer Gardens" were fair game
to the youngsters of the time.
It was a known fact that
"the best tasting Fruits and Vegetables
were always from your Neighbors' Gardens."

THE SUMMER GARDEN

On a warm and dark summer night,
you can hear whispers as the youngster takes flight.

Garden yields of Carrots, Radishes, Tomatoes,
Melons, Berries and many more,
leave their fertile ground, and rooted vine,
to be devoured while the heart beats at a fast pace,
and boastful tales of near capture take place.

Hands shake and voices quiver in whispering tones,
as nervous giggles of false valor are told.
Barbed wire wounds, and Briar-Patch Scratches,
are treasures for the bold.

As evening passes into morn,
and the sun rises over natures yield,
the youngster dreams of nights before,
and those yet to come,
with secret forays to Neighbors' Gardens,
where the edible prizes are from.

Upon wakening the youngster views his Prize Garden
from a bedroom window up high,
and woefully notices, with a frown,
that several rows are shy.