The hopeful gardener (author unknown)
Sow the seeds with hopefulness and lay them in a row.
Cover them and label them for they will surely grow.
Watch the row with hopefulness but wait at least a day.
Actually, the seeds won’t grow until you go away.
Leave the row forgetfully and moan about the rain.
Go and play on sunny days - it’s time to look again.
All the tall plants that you see most probably are weeds.
Those part-eaten spindly things have grown from seeds.
Hoe most conscientiously and lift weeds by the root.
Make space for your little plants so they can really shoot.
They’ll grow to maturity if you get the weather.
Then you’ll have to harvest them - all of them together:
radishes in millions and green beans by the score;
half a ton of lettuces you don’t want any more.
