Why I Picked Those Carrots

by Steve Garnaas-Holmes

in late December, 

mostly smaller than my pinkie because

I planted them too late,

but I dug them up anyway

with fingers cold and snow starting:

Because you shouldn't walk away from what you started.

Because even late, this moment is a moment.

Because some were enough, and that is enough.

Because sometimes my fingers are hungry for dirt.

Because they called out to me ... or murmured, anyway.

Because those who feel small and inadequate

have gifts to give.

Because I don't want the small carrots of my life

to not have been tasted.

Because someday I will die, and I don't want to die

without having dug up carrots with my bare hands

with the snow swirling around me and life

coming up out of the ground.

~ Steve Garnaas-Holmes