2024 April Poem-A-Day Challenge
April 4 Prompt: Write a mistake poem
Bottled Water and Potted Plants
In spring of 2020, I plant seeds.
My husband built a patio as we sheltered
in place; the least I can do is add
life with greenery. Few things sprout. Fewer
blossom. Potted kale is the best I can do.
Summer comes bearing drought. I conserve
water by pouring half-empty cups
and bottles into potted plants. One morning, draining
a plastic bottle into kale, I wonder
at the odd smell. I lean closer. Vinegar. I have poured
my son’s science project into the soil.
Next morning, the kale is yellowed
and wilting. The pot ends up in the backyard,
forgotten.
Come winter, rains drench the central valley, almost
making up for a seeming endless summer.
I spot shoots of green in the old forgotten
pot. It returns to the patio and I behold the slow-
growing miracle of kale that lasts
the winter and long into the following spring.
April 3: Counting Crows in My Front Yard
April 2: The Peaceful Spot
April 1: Fever Dreams
BTW, the above photo shows blossoms from the kale I currently have, which grew thick and gorgeous all summer-winter, and this spring is taller than I. It bolted (blossomed) and I’m not sure exactly what to do with it, but it’s pretty. :)
Bonita, I love this so much!!