“Late Summer in the Anthropocene, ” a Poem by Marcus Wicker
& our hibiscus is on that bullshit again. You know the story.
The poem begins with a vivid image of a hibiscus plant, described as being "on that bullshit again." The phrase "on that bullshit" is informal slang meaning the plant is acting up or being troublesome, though the exact nature of the trouble is not yet clear. The setting shifts to a roadside nursery, a small garden center typically located along a highway or rural road, where plants and flowers are sold. The nursery is characterized as being "made entirely of good vibes & floor-to-ceiling chain link," suggesting a contrast between the cheerful, welcoming atmosphere of the place and the physical barrier of chain-link fencing, which is often used for security or to keep animals out. The poem hints at a shared experience between the narrator and another person, likely a partner, as they reminisce about a date night spent at this nursery. The phrase "so that sometimes, with any luck & clear" implies that the chain-link fencing occasionally allows for an unobstructed view, creating a moment of connection despite the barriers.
The poem explores the relationship between humans and plants, particularly the hibiscus, which is personified as having agency and behavior. The hibiscus is described as being "picked" by the narrator and their companion, suggesting a deliberate choice to bring the plant into their lives, much like selecting a partner or a pet. This act of picking is framed as an intentional decision, hinting at a deeper connection between the narrator and the plant. The poem also introduces the idea of the hibiscus being "on that bullshit," which could imply that the plant is wilting, diseased, or otherwise struggling, mirroring the challenges that humans face in maintaining relationships or connections. The roadside nursery serves as a backdrop for this interaction, symbolizing a place where humans and plants intersect, often in a commercial context, but also where personal and emotional connections can form.
The poem juxtaposes natural elements, such as the hibiscus, with man-made structures like the chain-link fencing at the nursery. The hibiscus, a living organism, is described as being "on that bullshit," suggesting it is experiencing some form of distress or difficulty. In contrast, the chain-link fencing is a rigid, unyielding structure designed for security or containment. This contrast highlights the tension between the organic and the artificial, the living and the inanimate. The nursery, described as being "made entirely of good vibes," represents a space where humans seek to connect with nature, even if it is mediated by commercial transactions and physical barriers. The poem suggests that despite these barriers, moments of clarity and connection can still occur, as hinted by the phrase "with any luck & clear."
The poem is written in a conversational and informal tone, using phrases like "You know the story" and "our hibiscus," which suggests a shared experience between the narrator and the reader or an implied listener. This narrative voice creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity, as if the narrator is recounting a personal anecdote. The use of "our" to describe the hibiscus indicates that the plant is seen as a shared possession or a symbol of the narrator's relationship with their companion. The poem also employs enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues across line breaks without punctuation, creating a flowing and natural rhythm that mimics spoken language. This technique enhances the poem's accessibility and reinforces the conversational tone.
