Susurrus

the artichoke once grew fiercely along the garden’s edge
possessive roots spread through the
clay-like soil of an ancient river bed,
it’s many hearts boldly reaching for the sun –
in autumn’s birth, those left
put on a magical show, vibrant purple explosions
decorating frosty green limbs
a last stand before winter’s sleep
and the promise of return.
But even the artichoke could not survive,
it’s roots reluctantly giving way
to a tractor desperately preparing the ground
for a commodified green shrub
that dies before the winter comes.

©AnneFricke