The magician tried to warn you,

but you couldn't help but pay the price.

You needed another trip into the garden

of kaleidoscopic sights.

A long, long draft, you gulp the whole vial of green.

A long, long fall awaits--through a colorful live-dream.

"Do you like gardening?"

You shrug your shoulders.

"I've never thought much of it before."

The happy man in the golden sillouhete

wipes his brow with the back of his hand.

He's wearing muddy gloves,

wrists are speckled with dirt,

sweat shines from his brow.

"Here, you try. Just take this little guy...."

It's a tiny metal device, looks a bit like a claw.

"You brace it down around the roots, bend,

and the roots just curl right up outta the ground.

See!

It's easy!"

You brace the v-shaped teeth, mimic the motion.

"Wow, that was easier than expected."

And felt strangely satisfying.

The golden man stood up, dirty hands on hips, and looked around.

You mimic him.

"Now, see all these weeds?"

His toe brushes a thick patch of leafy green.

"You'll need to clear some of these

to help your garden thrive and grow."

"I mean, I don't mind it a little wild."

He laughed.

"True.

But there's a difference between a little wild...

and so far gone that ONLY the weeds can show."