The Thistle War

There they stood standing proud
Mocking me? I wondered loud
Somehow dodging spray for weeds 
In yesterday’s one hundred heat 
The thistles in the corner 

How could I miss a plant so tall
Lurking near my flower wall
Hiding in the shadows dim
In plain view yet not seen 
Thistles growing strong 

In just a speck of time it seems
They’d sprouted shooting prickly leaves 
Into my haven’s bliss
How ever did I miss 
Those stealthy gnarly stems

Attending other things today
Reluctantly I drove away
When in my mind I heard a yowl 
Get outside and pull them now
Thistles there are still at bay!

I’m coming for you, thistles, hear
Your demise is very near 
I shall remember where you are 
The lovely spaces that you mar 
Yes, I will pull you out!

On my return, still dressed to nines
Car to garage, my feet did find 
The path to open cabinet door
Where garden gloves were aptly stored 
NOW thistles I would rout! 

As convict’s farewell meal eaten
Sprinkler’s mercy drink was given 
While I was away 
Adieu to you! I did shout 
Yanking thistles that were stout 
At last I’d won the war . . . for today