(Title from the 2nd movement of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony)

 

Even as I leave the car

And walk across the lawn

I can feel the difference

 

There are open views

Garden beds

A long line of maples

The drama of clouds

 

There is instant palpable relief here

I have entered Homecoming Farm

An oasis in North Amityville

Where Dominican Nuns

Live with ravens

 

The stress of driving here is gone

Small problems remain in the parking lot

I hear faint conversations of two women

Weeding the leek bed.

 

I see the produce ready for pick up

The volunteers are smiling, laughing,

Everyone seems at ease

 

Although the farm is a remnant of what one was

A patchwork quilt of farms a century ago

The Dominicans are keeping the tradition

Of growing, healthy, organic food

And cultivating cheerful feelings