Not So Green Fingers

One. Remember the rose plant you bought two weeks ago

Two. Pray

to something you only half believe in,

that it’s still alive.

Three. Quickly brush away the dead leaves,

crunchy and browning in a circle,

and after, fill the bin with odds and sods,

to hide your failure at tending a living thing.

Four. Water it!

But remember, too much and it will die

somewhat more than it already has.

Five. Let it sit,

then dispose of any remaining water,

still staining the saucer,

culled from the kitchen cupboard because

you don’t own any pretty plant pots.

Six. Buy a plant pot,

because the saucer doesn’t fit on the windowsill,

and sunlight would probably be a good thing

seeing as photosynthesis,

is pretty important for these plant types.

Seven. Pray and hope a little more.

Who knows?

Green fingers might be something you grown into.