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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Whitehead Avatar
May 19, 2012 at 9:40 AM
The last poem of yours that I read was a religious one, so I have to remind you Robert that God made all creatures great and small, and it was his wish that we shared all we have with them, ha ha. Oh, I've written so minibeast poems for children, I am SURE you should buy my books, ha ha. Do you have children in your family? No, well buy them for yourself then, ha ha.
Song Avatar
April 18, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Bob, this is a splendid poem with a sprinkling of your military humor..Envisioning those crows with their sortie missions....(Oh,if they could just read those lil papers)! Also loved that well-disciplined army of ants..It seems you have came to an intelligent conclusion for next spring...just throw that hat up to the wind!! Tell Miss Vera that I am so happy that today is the last day of radiation...way to go, VERA! Sending huge hugs to her! Amazing lady to say the least! She is like a Sherman tank!! Love, Gwendolen
Kendrick Avatar
April 16, 2012 at 5:57 PM
Got a chuckle..Yes, my husband says I don't think that I will plant a garden this year and then he plants one this year..Have you got watermelons already?Ha! Ha!....Enjoyed reading..Sara
Bauer Avatar
April 15, 2012 at 3:41 PM
this one had me laughing! i hope it's fictional, but if it isn't guzzling beer sounds like a great idea to me! i'll drink to that!
Horne Avatar
April 15, 2012 at 11:46 AM
lol, as a failed gardener myself, i very much enjoyed this one - i'd definitely opt for a beer on the patio. great news about vera - i'm so pleased for you both, bob
Mohammed Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 7:14 PM
Oh I love this funny story poem! .. it really made me laughed out loud tonight..Read it for my Kids too!!! .. Thanks Bob.. It's great!! - Diana
Burch Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 6:53 PM
LOL!! Bob this is prescious!! and so true! you weave a tale such ease...so very descriptive! I love the airel attacks "...from above by crows making diving sorties from the clothesline poles!" I think this is a fav :) thank you for sharing...big hug,love deb
Burch Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 10:59 PM
lol...I like the "wabbits" :)
Grisetti Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 6:50 PM
I am definitely there on the patio with you. Too many bugs an' critters.
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