They Came

Poised in that brown area of solidness

Which dared to glare defiantly,

They came, without asking

 

Rising from the earth,

Their coiled heads

Gazing this way and that

In an attitude of confidence

 

As if in answer to my wondering

They took up residence

Laughing in the face of defiance

Entertaining the Japanese Japonica

 

Nothing was of my own doing

Not a finger was lifted

Nor an implement used

‘Cept maybe a begging prayer.

 

 

Author's Note

The ferns. There was even two varieties. They filled the area that was dark and damp. They didn't cost me a penny and I was so happy to have them.

Reviews

[Shelley Warner]

I like your author's note. I was guessing what the poem was about, but I didn't guess ferns. Ferns grow luxuriously here in the Pacific NW.

[Pauline]

Many thanks for your review Shelley.

Pauline.

[Pauline]

Thanks for posting Chris. We moved house just before we came to France. The new garden is just lawn and for now, have decided not to plant anything so that we can come away more often and not have to worry about it. Though I think that eventually, I'll start planting as the garden is the place that I've always spent most of my time in. (We'll see.)

[Chris Shaw]

We have quite a few ferns in our garden Pauline. Once established, they stay put. Great for ground coverage. They all but disappear in the winter and then up they come again the following spring. We have a couple in the shade where our pond is. They look wonderful and look so cooling on a hot day. Lucky you. They found where they want to be :) Thank you for posting this lovely garden poem.

Chris