Justice's Incident in a Rose Garden

Gardener Sir, I encountered Death

Just now among the roses.

Thin as a scythe he stood there.

I knew him by his pictures.

He had his black coat on,

Black gloves, and a broad black hat.

I think he would have spoken,

Seeing his mouth stood open.

Big it was, with white teeth.

As soon as he beckoned, I ran.

I ran until I found you.

Sir, I am quitting my job.

I want to see my sons

Once more before I die.

I want to see California.

Master Sir, You must be that stranger

Who threatened my gardener.

This is my property, sir.

I welcome only friends here

Death Sir, I knew your father

And we were friends at the end.

As for your gardener,

I did not threaten him.

Old men mistake my gestures.

I only meant to ask him

To show me to his master.

I take it you are he?

--Donald Justice [1925-2004]

This poem by Donald Justice is one of the classics of 20th Century verse. It's like a Medieval mystery play, a simple dramatic action intended to demonstrate a moral lesson. It's one of my favorites. The photo above is of the Berkeley Rose Garden, a public space sited in a small steep ravine in the Berkeley hills. The terraced amphitheater was completed in 1937, under the Works Progress Administration, based on a design suggested by Bernard Maybeck. It's a beautiful place any time of year, but best in the Spring when the roses are in full bloom.