Roses and Weeds

Such long hours he spends - back bent and head bowed, laboring at a battle that will last far beyond the day when death leaves him cowed, to time when his name lives only in past. "You fool! Why do you tend it? Let it be - Let wild things flourish to Darwin's delight. Those flowers are fragile - why can't you see? Weeds are strong - let them conquer - tis their right!" He straightens his back, eyes glistened by tears, and looks at a rose, rich as regal blood. "Aye, weeds grow well, fast and strong. In some years - they may conquer all when I sleep in mud. And beauty takes time, needs watching, takes toil. But son, can't you see which merits the soil?" 9 June 2023