Although mesmerized by the pinks --
each plant priced $2.69 --
I am suddenly more enthralled
by the K-Mart Garden Shop sign
high up on the drab façade
of crushed, composite stone,
since its straw-filled, litter-stuffed
enormous letters are home
to those scattering sparrows
alarmed by my presence here.
O poorest-seeming of birds,
don't be unhoused by your fear!
Though shrunk, there is still space
for the world, in spite of man.
So come back, and be living proof
that the earth abides where it can.
Copyright © 2007 Richard Johns. All rights reserved.