In honor of Earth Day, I’d like to challenge
you to write a georgic.
The original georgic poem was written by Virgil, and while it was
ostensibly a practical and instructional guide regarding agricultural
concerns, it also offers political commentary on the use of land in
the wake of war. The georgic was revived by British poets in the
eighteenth century, when the use of land was changing both due to the
increased use of enlightenment farming techniques and due to
political realignments such as the union of England, Scotland, and
Wales.
Your Georgic could be a simple set of instructions
on how to grow or care for something, but it could also incorporate
larger themes as to how land should be used (or not used), or for
what purposes.
Relax
Research;
the comfort and safety
of an internet browser
behind a virtual
private network
order online for
discreet service,
delivery in a plain
brown parcel.
Growing mediums of
composted soil,
Coco Coir or
hydroponics –
adequate lighting for
maximum yield
choose your bulbs
carefully.
Germinate seeds in
rooting plugs,
seed trays or paper
towels,
with the second pair of
true leaves
transfer into growing
medium.
Grow on, water well
without soaking,
plenty of light for
eight hours a day,
add nitrogen to
encourage growth.
Check the leaf shoots
for buds or pollen sacs
and remove plants with
pollen.
At half full size
adjust the daylight
twelve hours on, twelve
hours off,
watch the growth spurt
for six weeks.
Slow down the nitrogen;
Phosphorous and
Potassium
are good for developing
flowers.
After four to six weeks
the buds should be ready
look for the white
hairs to turn inward--
some might turn
yellow--
harvest the buds and
hang upside down.
After two weeks, hang
in mason jars;
check to avoid dampness
cure for another two
weeks to several months
longer makes smoother.
Relax.