The TakeOver!


The TakeOver!

What a treasure! A patch
in the community garden,
already fenced,
fertilized with compost,

full sun, water hoses,
flat and ready to plant. 
I can't believe 
my good fortune.

It is high up on the hill,
a long and challenging walk,
but safe from predators
and exercise for my muscles.

The veggie sets I plant
explode with vitality and health.
On week 3, I proudly
show it to rave reviews.

Can there be too much
of a good thing?
Who could have predicted
that on week 5 came the TakeOver.

When I arrive to harvest beans
all I see is huge squash vines,
like a green thriving carpet
covering everything.

The neat rows of vegetables
have been completely erased
by a species gone wild.
Should I laugh or cry?

I do neither. I ponder.
Then, apologetically,
I bring up my shears
and rescue the rows underneath.

Yes, there are still plenty
of squash vines, but less.
And the other veggies are
freed to live a life in the sun.

NF 7/8/25

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