‘Bindweed’ (from the forthcoming chapbook, Woodlot, published by Another New Calligraphy, Chicago)
Hedge –bindweed is often abundant in early old fields but is gone by 30 years post-abandonment. It is initially successful because t poisons other species which grow nearby, a characteristic allelopathy. However, the buid-up of the toxins in the soil eventually poisons Hedge-bindweed itself.
Eastern Forests Kricher J.C. and Morrison, Gordon Peterson Field Guides
Up in the upper
pasture now
crowded with alders
the rusted
old harrow
plaited tight
to the ground
by bindweed:
the landholder
now held
by the land
Advertisements