Pulling up the Vines

Pulling up the Vines

The nasty corkscrew roots

clinging, not just tangled in,

the rocks

and yellowish soil,

makes me wonder if

the plant knows?

The way it sends

its orange roots out

just under the surface

of my garden

scouting

getting the lay of the land.

The way it winds

around my plants

like a constrictor

in perfect coils,

I suspect a plan.

And when I try

to pull it from its

devious exploration

under my garden

it travels and unravels

like a zipper

and snaps

before I can get it all-

there is always a tiny bit

left behind.

That is all it takes,

a tiny bit,

and next year

it will again

be grown

as prosperous

and cloying

and strong.

"busted clay pot garden-by Matt Gartman

photo by Matt Gartman-used without permission.