Could've led a life of luxury

Could've been the stuff of legends

But while wandering through

the desert

I came across wounded dogs,

unhatched eggs, & a savage race

I thought to myself

I could go on

I could pretend I did not see

what I seen

Yet I've got a responsibility

I'm a gardener

& this could be fertile land

It just needs some time

& some attention

I pitched my tent

I surveyed the land

I made my rounds

Rolled up my sleeves

& lost myself in work

It wasn't easy

It never is

Patience & persistence eventually

led to some successes

Other things withered & died

It's impossible to save everything

& as the seasons went round

& round other things sprung up

Friends came by to visit

They said they liked what I did

Then came the question

"Are you coming with us

Or are you staying?"

I said "My work's not done

Some stuff may have taken root

& there will be a bountiful harvest

But other things are just

starting to sprout

& are at a delicate stage

It would be totally irresponsible

of me to leave now

If things go alright

Maybe I'll catch up to you

in a little while

Until then my friends

Fare the well"