CRISPY PLAYS DARWIN, after a fashion

BEAGLEMANIA


I have discovered the pleasant ritual
of placing delicate plants on the dresser
near the large window in my bedroom

The window faces whatever direction
that might be which receives no sun
throughout the day

The plants do not have a long and prosperous
life there. Often I say to them: “If I were you,
I would consider a move somewhere. Perhaps
some place sunny and warm. It would do you
a world of good.”

But do they listen?

Never. Except, perhaps, the orchid.

One day, during the winter, it jumped
off the counter after I slammed the door
as I called you a terrible name. Falling
to the floor, it was only able to scatter
a small amount of its soil as the breeze
flowed through the window, which it did
only for a moment and when the door
slammed again and I called you another
terrible name–more terrible than the first.

I consider, as of this day, the orchid to be
the bravest and perhaps smartest of all
houseplants, although orchids would not
agree that they are houseplants.

And the orchid, its seed scattered, did not
live long. What else is new? As I dreamed,
I saw you lift your head off the pillow, and
keep it there until I looked at you and said

“What have I done?”

Then you smiled and put your head down
on the pillow and rested, closing your eyes.
“What did I do?”

But orchids don’t have eyes.

all artwork, except likenesses of Lyndon B. Johnson & Charles Darwin, by Crispy Flotilla ® 2006

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please note: any resemblance between Charles Darwin and funny looking white bearded scowling Charles Darwiny-looking guy in a wine colored jacket or coat in keeping with the style of men's fashion during Charles Darwin's final years is purely coincidental