The Gardener's Fallacy

By Reba Kalita

Poem  terminology-

“Poppy’s pourboire” here, Poppy is related with the Olympian goddess Demeter as she is also known as the poppy goddess. 

Yellow roses in the Victorian era symbolized joy.Similarly, red ones symbolised passion.

Though, if the flowers were handed upturned, their meanings become opposite.

Tansies in a bouquet used to symbolize disdain and a clear message of “you must leave”

Rosmaries symbolize nostalgia,remembrance.

Indigoes are plants with vibrant,deep blue coloured flowers. Although it is a beautiful plant, it can diminish the fertility of soil.

Central theme of the poem- comfort zone

A gardener’s fallacy

A garden of selves,

A poppy’s pourboire,

All belonged to an indefatigable man.

A hardworking man-

forever tending to his blossoms,

His decrepit straw hat-

standing as an anomaly

To his colossal nursery.

He works day and night,

Sometimes, trimming his red roses-

Or caressing the yellow ones,

“Why do the roses lack luster?” I ask,

The gardener frowns,

With tansies all over his face;

He flouts.

 Entrails of cognizance

Immerse my mind;

The upturned yellow floret-

jutting his front pocket.

“What are you looking at?!” he exclaims;

Vibrant indigo petals rutting through his hat,

Its depreciating roots-

“Leave!” He strutted.

“What a pity”, I remarked.

     With pursed lips,

        He demented,

Gazing at the rosemaries,

     A glint in his eyes;

             Regret.

                                                                    Everything he touches;

Every petal,

every weed,

Laments.

Not of neglect,

But of ceaseless domain.

“Why not plant new flowers, or expand your garden?” I asked,

                                  He grimace

“The indigos have entrenched too deep”,

                                                      He sighs.

  “Then, why not use your shears?”

                                                                                 I suggested.

“The dread of losing my garden; The uncertainty, haunts me”

                                                                                                          He admits.

By Reba Kalita