My life is like a garden, I try to tend it well
Create a place of happiness where I in peace may dwell.
I set my good intentions out, plant them in a row
Arranged in schemes of consequence, and how well they might grow
Duly they begin to flower, their perfume fills the air
I smell content, accomplishment, see beauty everywhere.
But then a whole menagerie, escapees from some zoo
Invades my space, disturbs my peace, no matter what I do.
There’s a monkey on my shoulder, he’s trying to steal my joy
He comes to tease, destroy my ease, suggestion is his ploy
He’ll whisper slyly in my ear, insinuate the worst
If I give him encouragement, he’ll make me think I’m cursed.
There’s a panther in the shrubbery, roaming round at large
His form is black, his thoughts are dark, he’d like to be in charge
His eye is keen, for if I’m weak, he’ll know just when to pounce
It takes my strength to fend him off, each and every ounce.
Next a soft spoke silky snake comes slithering along
Suggesting I should just give up, it’s taking far too long
He sings a smooth and sinuous song; it almost lures me in
If I give up and walk away, I know that he will win.
Then comes the crow to bother me, his beak is sharp and keen
He worries at my confidence and picks at every dream
With beady eye he’ll ask me why, and is it really so
Who am I to even try to make my garden grow.
I’m not quite sure how they get in, somehow I set them free
I know full well that they are just the darker part of me.
They’ll take my future happiness and rip it up with glee
They’ll prod and taunt and tease and scorn, and never let me be
Until I own and somehow tame, this, my menagerie.
KATE QUARTERMAINE ©JULY 2022
