“Delayed Gratification”

The untrimmed hedge rises up,

despite the minimal sunlight exposure.

It taunts me in several ways.

As I walk by, it assaults me with guilt grenades.

I say it’s winter, what of it!

The hedge continues on.

It insults my enthusiasm for other activities.

It strains my joy in escaping the duty of caring for it.

As I walk away from it, its silence calls me back.

There is no gratitude in completion.

The hedge will continue to grow its expectation.

Maybe next time I buy a house,

I’ll make sure there are no hedgerows.