For all that might be said
against a lawn
a patch of grass beside a house
or out in front
serving a purely esthetic purpose
and requiring use
of resources like water
and the need to own
a lawnmower
and taking up
the soil where fruit and vegetables
could just as easily be grown
this artifact
for which we thank the British aristocracy
who needed it for garden parties
and croquet
and to impress and entertain
their peers
has so become the norm
it's hard to think
of how things could be different
but for all that might
be said against it
in a time of drought
like now
I must admit it makes a lovely setting
for the robin who has
landed just a dozen
feet away and cocked his head
keeping his eye on me
while listening for worms