HYDROPONICS

A new form of farming
is trending
in wartorn Ukraine.

With the ruined reservoir
flooding the chornozem
of southern Kherson,
hydroponics is the word—
whether or not
the farmers want it.

Just like their kids,
in shorts, knee-high in water,
once caught crayfish
with their hands,
for fun and grilling,
the farmers themselves
in shorts, knee-high in water,
are harvesting their potatoes
with their hands,
before they all rot.

This year’s potato harvest is
just a bit early.
Next year, though,
there may not be one.

July 03, 2023