Patches

Little plastic boxes with packets of seed and soil

promise emerald blades from a few drops of water,

just a impulse purchase in the grocery aisle

for the cat who keeps eating too many other green things

any possible leaf or petal

that she thought would work as a substitute.

 

Even when taken outside

was never enough of a lawn snack

to prevent those teeth marks on the plants.

 

Surely our planned distraction

this cultivated mini-plot of turf

would truly pass the feline taste test.

 

We wanted and till, even prayed,

couldn’t hurt if it spared our indoor potted garden.

Then in a few short days

those sprouts appeared

now we dreamed of freedom

no more worries over her treating

the fauna as her banquet.

 

Once that box’s seeds were fully grown

it was time to place it where she could easily reach it,

then sat back to watch and see

how all our efforts would be rewards.

 

Only our pet was not impressed,

walked right past that container

on her way to have some other treat.

 

We sat our experiment outside

was nice to look at though not of much use,

but at least it didn’t have to be mowed.