The Pests

In checking on my garden,
I find caterpillars and their tent.
I know now how this day will go,
And my afternoon will be spent.

I must keep them from defoliating
My lovely English Hawthorne
And everything else I've planted
From my annuals to sweet corn.

Last year I thought I'd fix them
By burning them in the fireplace.
The heat just sent them scurrying
Through the cracks, I had to race

To catch each one before it crawled
Across the carpeted floor.
I don't know how I'll rid them, but
I'll choose that way no more.

I had caterpillars on the curtains
And some more on the plants.
They were all but indestructible,
Worse than a pile of ants.

If it is wrong to kill them, Lord
I humbly beg your pardon.
I know they have a purpose
But not in my house or garden.

Joyce 5/13/03