My garden is a Paradise of flowers and lush green grass,
of bushes, nooks and shady spots and ferns in curling mass.
Old pots of pink geraniums adorn the patio walls.
A stone-encircled fountain dribbles mini-waterfalls.

The trill of flitting birds is sweet; a pair of doves makes court.
The scent of orange blossom floats ... Is natural beauty bought?
An early sun shines on this scene, so pleasing to the eye,
as I brew the morning coffee, with grateful inward sigh.

I fill a tray with grapefruit, crispy toast and marmalade,
then call the latest visitors. The breakfast table's laid
with scrambled eggs and kedgeree, beside the swimming pool,
where soon we'll bathe in water, crystal clear and well-drawn cool.

They come out slowly stretching after hours of relaxation,
so glad to be in Eden for two weeks Spring Vacation.
We settle down to eating and enjoy just Being Alive,
when suddenly it's swatters out ... as Other Guests arrive.

A buzzing wasp inspects a nose. Mosquitoes dive and bite.
Black flies descend in busy swarms and muster for a fight.
A gust of wind upsets the milk all over someone's pants.
Eduardo stoops low scratching and discovers hordes of ants.

That Gourmet Breakfast Table, so scrupulously sited,
is witness to a battle with company uninvited.
"Alright" I cry, "I'm sorry!" You're all going to say I lied.
This isn't such a Paradise...." and we troop back inside.

* Raid *