Life in the Plants

Yarrow

One calloused finger placed carefully

gives significance to the small spot

at the base of the spine.

Five of my fingers found you.
Five of my fingers enclosed
yarrow: the stem, leaf, and flower.
I was trying to divine the weather
untangle your thoughts
tell your fortune
and induce your dreams: love.

Achilles cured the wounds of the Trojan war
with the small golden leaves.
If he staunched torn flesh
and arrested internal bleeding,
won't you crush these ancient petals in your palm?

Stain it yellow
and believe.