My Backyard

I decorate my front yard,

keep it tidy for the world

but, allow a few weeds

so it will not be coveted

as a golf course.

I cultivate my back yard,

pull every weed,

smile at my flowers

and grow with my trees.

My front yard slowly shrinks,

consumed by the roadway

filled with chrome-plated

rose petals.

I scurry to my back yard,

look anxiously at my trees,

urge their growth

so I may have enough lumber

for a stronger front door.

Mark Clement