I always forget the vines behind the shed.

Every year they get pruned a day or two later.
Their beds are cleared last.
They are planted too near each other
so they get pruned mercilessly close.

This year I had to dig last year’s bird’s nest
out of the sheltering crotch of three canes.
Then cut the canes away.
Last year’s vigilance against the birds
showed a breach on the southern border.

This arbor could be more beautiful.
Today it is only less ugly–
less neglected.
Some days that’s the best I can do.

Memory slips,
neglect rises,
diminished man survives.
There’s your headline.