Home Turf Poem by Ella Anna Pankatz

I bemoan that I am no longer green
My lush turf is now invaded by crabgrass
Like a silent charge of crustaceans
On my beach, swept in from the ocean
Strength is in numbers

For years I lay on my soft bed
Sank into the unblemished grass and
Became naïve in my oasis of peace
Now I understand, I only have its lease
Denying me permanence.

I was ONE against the massive assault
Pulled and plucked, sore hands and muscles
Head downward, until I became unbalanced
And the crabs my ultimate challenge
Their power is daunting

For now I raise the white flag
And bury my private mutiny
I must accept, like a messy past
After August, there is crabgrass
My flawless lawn is an illusion