Garden Pests

'Tis another glorious spring and I planted my garden with the expectation, That I shall reap a bountiful harvest for my table with minimum frustration! I planted the usual stuff - carrots, radishes, onions and termaters, Watermelons, peas, corn, beans and a few hills of russet pertaters. With the Good Lord's help, lots of sun and occasional showers of rain, The seeds sprang to life along with some curses that are my infernal bane! I've discovered that I have a healthy crop of weeds that need attention, And a host of other intrusive visitors that I'll proceed to mention! I was dismayed to discover legions of caterpillars and mealy bugs, Pruning my plants along with hordes of ugly snails and slimy slugs! They're even being attacked from below by gophers and moles, And from above by crows making diving sorties from the clothesline poles! 'Coons, 'possums and wabbits at raiding my garden are very deft, And armies of well-disciplined ants are gleaning what is left! I even caught some nasty little kids filching a watermelon last night! I chased them but those little dudes took off with the speed of light! With a storm of wind and hail this morn I saw all my labor disappear! Come next spring I think I shall opt to sit on the patio and guzzle beer! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved