I like watching my flowering mandevilla
plant find its way to its trellis and then wrap its
vines around the metal rungs and climb, climb, climb.

The plant exists in a perpetual growth spurt.

At least twice a day,
I check to see how much the plant has advanced.
By sundown, it usually 3 to 4 inches.

I make bets with myself.
By what date, will it make it to the top of the trellis?
Which vine will reach there first?
How much width will it gain in a week?

My hollyhocks try, but they can’t keep up.
Petunias trail and meander a bit—that’s about all.
The gladiolas also sport trumpet-shaped flowers,
but they’re not athletic.

I wouldn’t bet on the mandevilla, though,
in a Plant Climbing Tournament.
It could easily be outdone by clematis and wisteria.

Maybe you’re thinking,
“Doesn’t this person have anything better to do
than watch a mandevilla plant grow?”

“No, not really.”