Nasturtium

I took careful notes on the nasturtiums,

ticking off each one I saw. Over the year –

year and a half? – I saw near six hundred.

The best and dumbest thing I ever did.

As long as it rains, nasturtiums will grow

and the cycle of life, from grassy spore

to Mars Incorporated’s decision

to make pina colada M&Ms, will go on.

Oh, through it all, nose after heady nose,

racking up scores, I started to lose heart;

it sounds fancy and fragrant, when, really,

I couldn’t be bothered with instant soup.

Bring primrose like tomato soup

and jasmine like a fresh oyster chowder;

O daffodilly-coloured chicken noodle,

O nasturtium with cloved pumpkin flower.