Under 25 Poetry Africa –

"I Grow Mushrooms" by Nerine Richter

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January 15th, 2026

I Grow Mushrooms

by Nerine Richter

They say they need the dark.
Where they can grow and thrive,
And I am an expert farmer.
Growing them since I was five. 
 
While others grow flowers,
That shine in the sun,
And make people love them,
And have all the fun.
 
I grow my little mushrooms.
So vile and vicious.
They feed on my dead dreams –
Broken hearts taste delicious.
 
Don't be concerned if you see
Mushrooms grow,
I'm used to them by now.
They aren't there for the show.
 
They keep my hopes low.
My dreams are trimmed down –
And my wishes are thrown.
A smile turns to a frown.
 
So, I grow mushrooms. 
Others grow flowers.
Don't fret over our differences,
You'll be thinking about it for hours.

About the Poet
Nerine Richter resides in Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa.
Read the poet's biography and Under 25 Poetry publications on Nerine Richter's Artist Page.

Under 25 Poetry Collection
This poem is also featured in Under 25 Poetry Collection #1, published in the Under 25 Poetry Library.

Keywords: loneliness, growth, nature, mushrooms

Previously published in Under 25 Poetry Africa:
The Silent Forest
by Alicia Fox

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