A Lovely Russian Thistle

Posted on March 28, 2017March 28, 2017 by Waltermarks Posted in Dverse, Humor, Poetry

At the Dverse Poets Pub we’re sharing the voices of Spring tonight.
Here’s a voice you may remember from last year:

I’m a lovely Russian Thistle
And my pistils full of missiles
And my entry in your yard was not by chance

And whatever plants that you sow
My stingey Springers soon outgrow
Now stop and watch me do my little dance:

A shake-a, shake-a here
A shake-a, shake-a there
My little ones take over everywhere

Try to kill me, not a chance
On your headstone I’ll tap dance
For my kind likes to raise big families

I was here before you settled
You know nettles love to meddle
So move over, my homes ready if you please.

27 thoughts on “A Lovely Russian Thistle”

March 28, 2017 at 3:37 pm Reply
paul scribbles says:

Love it…feisty fella…reminds me of Himalayan Balsam.
1. March 28, 2017 at 8:03 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  I haven’t seen one of those Paul. But there are so many in my yard when it’s time to mow, there’s no time to root them all out.
March 28, 2017 at 3:49 pm Reply
frankhubeny says:

Such plants make sure the Earth is fully used.
1. March 28, 2017 at 8:03 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  I wish they used a little less, Frank
March 28, 2017 at 5:13 pm Reply
Grace says:

I love the happy merry dance of these thistles ~ This made me smile:

On your headstone I will tap dance
For my kind likes to raise big families
1. March 28, 2017 at 8:04 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Grace, it reminded me that my time on earth will not surpass theirs.
March 28, 2017 at 6:05 pm Reply
Beverly Crawford says:

This is a joyful read. As if the thistles aren’t energetic enough, much of the birdseed sold includes thistle seed, and the birds are more than anxious to “drop” seeds in everyone’s garden!
1. March 28, 2017 at 8:04 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  They must have found the mother lode. My yard is covered every year before I can even get out and mow it. Thanks Beverly
March 28, 2017 at 7:21 pm Reply
kanzensakura says:

What a fun poem! I love thistles actually – their big purple blooms. What a fun dance you gave us.
1. March 28, 2017 at 8:05 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Kanzensakura.
March 28, 2017 at 7:38 pm Reply
Mish says:

I like the cheekiness of this thistle plant. The little song and dance in the middle of the poem is endearing!
1. March 28, 2017 at 8:05 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Mish. I’ll be out in the yard this week trying to do a dance on them
March 28, 2017 at 8:29 pm Reply
Sabio Lantz says:

Cute
1. March 28, 2017 at 9:27 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Sabio
March 28, 2017 at 10:00 pm Reply
whimsygizmo says:

Love this:
“On your headstone I’ll tap dance
For my kind likes to raise big families”
1. March 28, 2017 at 10:17 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Whimzy
March 29, 2017 at 1:40 am Reply
Sumana Roy says:

ooowhooo, me foot tapping too in their glee but became a tad grumpy at “On your headstone I’ll tap dance / For my kind likes to raise big families”….sigh…
1. March 29, 2017 at 8:26 am Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Sanaa, dance a flower song
March 29, 2017 at 8:27 am Reply
sarahsouthwest says:

I think your thistle is related to the dandelions I battle against. I would forgive them if they sang like this to me!!
1. March 29, 2017 at 8:28 am Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  got them too, they travel together
  1. March 29, 2017 at 8:40 am
    sarahsouthwest says:
    
    They probably have wild parties.
March 29, 2017 at 1:16 pm Reply
Imelda says:

I do not like the thistles in the garden but I so enjoyed your piece. What lovable villains there are in this poem. 🙂
1. March 29, 2017 at 2:13 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Imelda
March 29, 2017 at 1:24 pm Reply
Glenn Buttkus says:

Here in Western WA state, we have to fight the moss dragons; annual thatching & replanting. I pay someone to do it now.
1. March 29, 2017 at 2:12 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  I wish, I’m glad I don’t have to fight Moss dragons. I don’t have a sword or shield
March 30, 2017 at 2:28 pm Reply
lillian says:

Just catching up with my reading and chuckling over this one. Those pesky nettles — they take hold and spread and you’ve captured that bratty little stance!
1. March 30, 2017 at 2:32 pm Reply
  Waltermarks says:
  
  Thanks Lillian