Description

Broadside of Domestic Garden by John Hoppenthaler.

A ghost has disarranged these roses
lining the walkway. Some greenhouse
jokester must have switched

Jackson & Perkins packaging — Heaven
On Earth for Change of Heart, Black

Magic with Beloved. I’ll name them
rancor lilies in your absence, thought
I don’t hate you, & they’re not lilies,

& you aren’t really gone, except in the way
presence sometimes contradicts itself.

Should they grown on me — fugitive varietals
I never thought to plant — will they lure
your bouquet any closer, sprirt

away weeds I’ll name neglect, aphids
who’ll stay aphids, sucking at the stalk?