by Marci Klayder Gibbens

Weeds grow in unattended gardens
or nutrient-imbalanced soil where
my chronically inflamed body suffers.
Weather extremes cannot prevent
me from digging up their painful roots
dawn, noon, dusk.
Still, they thrive.

But this morning saw
relief from pain’s grip
in an overnight healing.
I evaluate every step suspiciously,
walking, rotating, stretching,
but no weeds surface.

Elated, I bundle up and stride into the frosty air—
no germination of agony today!
Happiness sprouts instead.
My thankful heart cries to God,
a song to His grace for
He has no obligation to heal.

Now, this joy I must cultivate,
testament to divine mercy.

When weeds inevitably break soil again— 
frustration growing and anger blooming,
doubt overshadowing faith
questioning God’s sovereignty—
I must remember this day:

A respite from pain.

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Marci Klayder Gibbens is a high school English teacher who writes poetry about chronic pain, motherhood, and faith. Her poem “Symbiosis” was published in the December 2022 issue of American Diversity Report and her poem “Exigency” was published in Ariel Chart International Literary Journal in March 2023. Writing poetry is a cathartic outlet for her, and she hopes to give voice to other sufferers of chronic pain. She lives in Olathe, Kansas with her husband and three daughters.