My train of thought tonight is turning to the subject of seeds. Of course, there is the literal meaning of the word, “seed.” A couple of lines from the song titled, “The Field Behind the Plow,” say – “… watch the field behind the plow turn to straight dark rows; Put another season’s promise in the ground.” Seeds are nature’s way of saving genetic material that becomes the blueprint for new life, and in that role, seeds are essential to the survival of a species.

Every January, (this year, December), we begin to receive seed catalogs. In a yard that has many perennial flowers that we can rely on to reappear every spring and summer, we generally don’t order many flower seeds any more.

Jim has begun to pick up any needed flats of vegetables at local greenhouses, especially tomatoes, peppers, and hot peppers. In recent memory, he started seedlings inside the house, using grow lights. Although we are pretty much set and probably won’t order from the catalogs, their arrival is like a breath of fresh air as we ponder the upcoming growing season! We peruse the pages and re-think what kind of additional annuals we might want to add to a few spaces in the yard.

Aside from the obvious association, the word, “seed,” takes on other meanings. We speak of “seed money” for those who hope to start a new business. We refer to planting the “seeds of hope,” in destitute nations and in despairing individuals. The Bible provides the parable of the mustard seed, which states, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.” Matthew 13:31. I vaguely remember another Biblical passage that admonishes a person not to spill seed on infertile ground. The word “seed” appears to envelope the essence and meaning of life and its continuance. Any “seed” is important only because of its potential life-giving power.

Following the agrarian model, an old motto says, “Reap what you sow.” Of course, that idea can be applied to many life situations. Little kindnesses in any human relationship can help to “grow” love and affection.

Turning to another use of language, for some reason people who are considered marginally acceptable by society, and of whom we may be suspicious, are sometimes referred to as “seedy characters.” In that case, I’m not sure I understand the association with the word, “seed!”

As we drove along today, on a little trip to the other side of New Hampshire, it was apparent that the snow cover is dwindling. Some of the open water of brooks and ponds remind me that January is not forever, and cold weather shall, indeed, have a terminal point. So, my thoughts are now affixed to the idea of Spring and I smile whenever I recall the wonderful line of that song: “Put another season’s promise in the ground.”

Patricia Cummings,

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