Tap root anchored in detritus,
Leaf litter and rock
Sand and clay.
Layer upon layer holding it captive.

Rootlings and hairs grasp like fingers
Refusing to be moved.
Joints aching with the pressure

Who cares if the soil is rocky
Or dead from pesticide
Over watered
Undertilled

Perennials stay put.
Dig in
Hold on
Refuse to move.

Until the gardener decides
This is the wrong location
Or the soil finally gives
Up the ghost.

There is a choice:
Move to new ground
Or be stoic, and struggle
Until your hunger is abated
By anorexic tendencies.

Look!
I am a shadow of my promise
But I am here!
Hanging on for dear life.
This is life,
Right?

Skinny life
Malnourished life

Go, be in soil kissed by God

Let the wind carry you
Your seed replant you
Be the wish of a child
Be an annual,
all about the flower
All about reproduction.
Fertility in middle age.