Sacred Bad Behavior

Says an acquaintance immune
To the striking resonance
Of extraordinary phrase

Placed in bland conversation,
Like an unusual weed
Decorating a dull plot

Of garden-variety
Mail-order catalogue blooms—
Suddenly, these plants matter.

The tricksters are returning,
Along with the longer nights.
For now, it’s just sacred bad

Behavior, but the active
Spells the behavior triggers . . . ?