… never blame the lettuce
– Thich Nhat Hanh

Must be
the slugs
munching
to the music
of the night
or the clogged
soaker hose
or an over-dose
of fertilizer mix,
or malicious
hailstorms
barnstorming
the yard.

Must be
the timbre
of your voice
that rolls my eyes
when you tell me
what to do
or assures every
perfect storm
is my responsibility –
like
wilted greens
and our empty
salad bowl.

Must be
some ancient god
who dabbled
in DNA
and served up
humanoids
who blame
every misdeed
on mothers,
lovers,
friends,
and
expired seeds.

Carolyn Martin

 

From associate professor of English to management trainer to retiree, Carolyn Martin has published poems in journals throughout North America and the UK. Her fourth collection, A Penchant for Masquerades, was released by Unsolicited Press in 2019. Find out more about Carolyn at www.carolynmartinpoet.com.

© 2019