The Dresser Of the Vineyard

The fig tree stood there unadorned,

It bore no fruit, it had no leaves

For they had withered long ago,

It lived a life of ease.

The sunshine came and then the rain,

But still it did not bear,

Just taking space, oh what a waste,

It did not seem to care.

The owner came and took a look

And said, “Let’s cut it down,

I keep on coming seeking fruit, 

But none as yet I’ve found.”

The Vineyard Dresser intervened,

“It does not bare tis true,

But give me time and I will find

If something I can do.”

The Dresser dug around the tree

And loosened all the dirt,

He fertilized then pruned the tree

Till you’d think it would hurt.

But just the opposite effect 

Was had upon the tree,

Perhaps that’s why the Vineyard Dresser

Works so hard on me.

-Mary Hardy Melton