Karen Pickrell

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Plant Killer

Writing

2 Apr

Ms. Basil’s class always plants grass in white Styrofoam cups in spring.

“Do I have to plant one?” I plead.

What Ms. Basil doesn’t know is…

I don’t have a green thumb.

And whatever I put in that little cup is doomed.

“It will never grow,” I protest.

But Ms. Basil doesn’t listen.

Each week, we look for signs of life.

Kids shout with glee like proud parents, but me…

Nothing. Sigh. I’m a plant killer.

While the other students measure their blades of grass,

I pray for some small bit of green to poke its head out of the dirt.

Some kids even have to give their grass a haircut.

But my cup…was hairless.

It was humiliating.

So, during recess, I dumped it.

Later, just to spite me, it grew.

Now there’s a tiny patch of green on the playground.

So, I gave it a haircut.

16 Comments

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Comments

  1. Vasilia Graboski says

    May 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

    Adorable story, Karen! I can totally relate to the plant-killer. Funny and clever as usual!

    Reply
    • karen says

      May 13, 2022 at 3:10 am

      Thanks, Vasilia. I’m so glad you liked it.

      Reply
  2. Carole Barber says

    April 5, 2022 at 6:29 pm

    Hi Karen,
    Loved PLANT KILLER.
    Such a GREAT read for both parent/grandparent and child.

    “But my cup…was hairless!” What a humbling experience……
    But then even after you give up, hope arrives and saves the day!
    Well Done. 🙂

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 5, 2022 at 10:38 pm

      Thank you, Carole! I’m so glad you loved it! It’s great to hear from you!

      Reply
  3. Laurie says

    April 4, 2022 at 10:48 pm

    What a fun and relatable story! All the preschool teachers at my school laughed out loud at the ending. I had 40 styrofoam cups of “hair” grass in my classroom window this past month. Looking for any hint of grass growth, for a child or two, is a real thing most years. Loved the story!

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 5, 2022 at 10:36 pm

      Haha! Thank you, Laurie! You made my day! So glad all the teachers enjoyed it.

      Reply
  4. Susan Shoaf says

    April 4, 2022 at 2:06 am

    Loved the Story & Very Endearing
    Your Inspiring & Creatively Wity – So Enjoyed & Appreciate Share

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 4, 2022 at 2:14 am

      Thank you, Susan!

      Reply
  5. Christine Yegge says

    April 4, 2022 at 12:45 am

    I loved your story and the storytellers voice. So relatable and engaging!

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 4, 2022 at 1:42 am

      Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  6. Cynthia Helen Mackey says

    April 3, 2022 at 12:50 am

    I remember those little styrofoam cups. Sweet story.

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 3, 2022 at 1:15 am

      Thank you! I’m glad you like it.

      Reply
  7. Janell says

    April 2, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    Your charming story reminds me of the old saying I often heard growing up. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 2, 2022 at 8:34 pm

      Haha. So true.

      Reply
  8. katie says

    April 2, 2022 at 6:52 pm

    This made me snort my water, hilarious voice and ending!

    Reply
    • karen says

      April 2, 2022 at 7:09 pm

      Haha! Thanks, Katie! So glad you liked the voice and ending.

      Reply

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Karen Pickrell

Hi, I'm Karen. An author, blogger, and recovering Words With Friends addict. I write children's picture books. I also help parents empower their young adult to launch successfully into the big, wide world while developing a closer relationship with them in the process.

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