Plants
and metaphor
like the mimosa-
so super sensitive
it recoils from
touch
or is as one
pathologically
withdrawn...
and the saxifrage-
a testament
to resilience-
born of rock
springing
forth
without soil,
without a rich loam
on which to take
root-
and still, it splits stone...
It is like a Phoenix-
born of ash
a plucky survivor...
and the poppy-
fleur du mal
beautiful,
though dangerous
( as so many people.)
And what of the common story
of a traveler deathly ill
and a miraculous healing
from a repulsive brew,
unsavory
though the cup brims
with indigenous knowledge...
Botanicals-
they're an encyclopedia
of paradoxical
wisdom
a wealth
of the wonderous
and wild.
Some are noxious,
others beneficial,
often curative
or nutritious,
delicious
fragrant and decorative-
herbs and spices
and the goodness of grain...
And there's an abundance
in forests and fields
in gardens
grown
these, nature's gifts
a dew- flecked
bounty
so succulent
with life.