INTRODUCTION TO GARDENING

by Cathryn Cofell

I know dead when I see it.

Bile-colored leaves,

decomposing stalks.

I know about dredging

these small corpses

from the earth,

the heft of gathering remorse

in gloved hands.

A noticeable weight, yes,

but not so heavy considering

this loss was born

from these same neglectful hands.

And yes, it was neglect,

those luxuriant black-sky days

when downpour seemed so certain,

those lolling humid days

when reading or sleep

were more important chores.

I know perennials,

they come back.

Like old boyfriends or lies.

Unwilling to be contained, popping

up when you least expect them.

Growing is what they do, even here

in this godforsaken place

I call a garden, a yard, a home.

Yes, I know dead when I see it.

~ first published in the Comstock Review