In a pot by the window, innocently small, A coleus sprouted, not a threat at all. But its leaves unfurled, a vibrant display, Soon it began to steal my life away.
First, it crept into every room and space, A green invader in every hiding place. My house, once cozy, now a leafy domain, As coleus conquered with unstoppable gain.
My wife, she fell under its leafy spell, Her love for the plant, I could surely tell. She tended it daily with passionate care, As I watched in despair, life wasn't fair.
My job, neglected, as I gazed at each hue, The coleus had taken my focus, it's true. Colleagues became leaves on its towering tree, As the world outside faded from me.
Friends disappeared, lost in the foliage dense, As I marveled at the coleus' immense pretense. They begged me to see, to break free from this strife, But I couldn't escape the coleus' green life.
And as I pondered the plant's global embrace, I realized too late, it had won the race. The world transformed, under its verdant reign, A planet now ruled by the coleus's chain.
So beware the coleus, a deceptive delight, For it may seem benign, but it'll conquer your sight. Once it takes hold, you'll be lost in its swirl, As it claims your house, your wife, your job, your friends, your life, and the world.
Nature blessed me with eight of these cute individuals reappearing on my feeder this past winter. π