Today we planted out a rain garden for Annieville elementary school. A rain garden takes the run off from the parking lot and has it absorbed by plants rather than running down the storm sewer to the river. Deborah had arranged it and about 300 of the older children from the school took turns, six at a time, to plant. Deborah took time to explain to each group separately how to plant properly. Dig a hole deep enough, put in the plant, cover the roots.
But many of these children had no idea.
"What's a trowel?"
How do I put the gloves on?
Is this hole deep enough? Is this hole deep enough? Is this hole deep enough?
The dirt is in my shoe.
I can't get the plant out of the pot
His dirt is in my hole.
Can I plant a bigger plant?
But it was all worthwhile when school was out and all the kids raced to the garden:
I planted that one.
That's my plant. Look, I think it
grew already. Wow!
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A smoker, drinker,
lined face, she dyes her hair blonde
so she will look young.
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She dances well. He
is old, stumbles, clutches her.
She snaps "No cuddling!"
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You spoke to me at
noon. You didn't have to. I'm
just a customer.
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Straight-backed and regal
she serves us, words so friendly
spine contemptuous.
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She sees more sexy
men in the world than I do.
Must be exciting.
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Man's hand murders six
but he is weak. Alone with
him I'm not afraid.
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What bought me roses?
Love? Duty? Apology?
Petals have dropped now.
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Tiny Chinese girl
walking. Bridging continents
as she smiles at me.
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Wife left. Kids distant.
Shirts cleaner pressed, sports car. He
hardly misses her.
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Wife left. Kids distant.
Shirts cleaner pressed, sports car. He
misses commotion.
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"I'm living in sin."
She tends Alzheimer spouse but
seeks love for herself.
