Listen (:56)
April 27, 2026
Pen(z)ance
the idea of a stroll through the garden gained currency
as other aims waned and withered,
yet her penchant for distraction often spoiled such a ramble.
today’s turn could forgive others, though,
and the prospect of pardon awarded the inclination
a more favorable light.
our stroll began agreeably enough, though I suffered her tedious
theories of an economy of the garden:
weeds and flowers being equally valued assets to certain beholders
and views of (that) nature.
I was more than tempted to suggest the possibility of
forced scarcity on behalf of the gardener.
anticipating the satiric quip, she slowed,
silently enjoining me to move ahead.
the newly untrammeled view failed to inspire any useful considerations,
compelling me to admit that the branding of distraction
should, in fact, be recast as learned attention.
I paused, at once to process,
render judgment,
and make amends.