she knows

She knows the weeds will win. Sometimes, at night,

Hearing them grow in her dreams, she'll wake, grasp

Even in her two hands, a phantom thistle, or



Knotweed, errant blackberry, or teasel.

Now not able to turn and sleep, she'll rise, throw

On her robe, and step out into night;

Walking the way the slim moon shows her,

She throws aside her garden gate and listens.



There might be corn and tomatoes chatting,

Having about as much to say as farmed things.

Even a whisper among the kales and chard --



Whatever such things say. Beyond are beds

Ensnarled in dock, barnyardgrass, bindweed,

Everlasting morning glory vines.

Dire straits; but there's no sound there.

She knows they're biding their time,



Watching for her sudden return, sickle

In hand, fire in eye, seed packets in mind.

Level them, they fear she means to, or

Leave roots drying in summer sun.



Well, that's tomorrow. She turns now; steps

Into her lightless house. She'll give this up

Not soon, yet knows how it must end.