To the Intruder In Mary's Garden

(Mary, Mary quite contrary, tending your garden just so; planting your bells and cockle shells, and hoping to grow.) I built a little house, And dared to plant a few flowers in the garden. Surrounded by gray stone walls and a prickly hedge, The violets and the daisies grew unmolested. I wasn't inhospitable. I placed a bell on the front gate, And built a flagstone path towards the kitchen door, For all legitimate passers-by. But you came creeping, Like a thief in the night. Over the wall, And past the gate; Sewing seeds of dissent Wherever you trod. I suspected something might be wrong, But I did not want to see, So I buried the thought. Trouble is, burying and planting Can have the same effect. An alien bush Grown from a monster seed, Appeared like a feral plague. I pruned and trimmed, Pruned and trimmed, Trimmed and pruned, To no avail. So now I see in the light of day, Please take your weeds And go, Go far, far away. For the entrance is the door, And visitors ring the bell. Those who stalk and slink Mean nought but ill I think... I think.