Being The Exception

The eggplants were outgrowing
the cages placed around them.

A loved one suggested
I simply take off the cages.
The eggplants should be
large enough
to fend for themselves.

I was tempted to do that.
Replacing the cages
with larger ones
was work
and required more chicken wire.

Maybe the squirrels and rabbits
wouldn’t target the eggplants
this time.
Maybe this time
would be the exception.

You and I both know
that exceptions are…
well…exceptional.
They rarely occur.

I replaced the cages.

Don’t bet
your entire business
on being the exception.

Long shot bets rarely pay off.