In theory, he ought to like to blend
his nutrients with the web of plants
and microcritters in his patch of Earth.
Still, he can't entirely approve
this timid horticulture: close-shorn grass,
some showy flowers, not native to this ground,
and a few tame trees.

We ought to smuggle in some sprigs
of prairie flowers, long-stemmed grasses,
real bison-fodder. Let him leach
his juices into stalks that have some heft,
some history. Some wild strength.

Paul J. Sampson

You can find more of Paul Sampson's work at Eclectica.

from February, 2001 issue