Try Figwort, Try Vervain

by Oliver Rice

See how her husband smiles upon her,
weeding with her hair in a golden bun.
Gather rosemary for a weak memory,
she is apt to say, and comfrey
for the sharpness of humors.

See how her husband smiles upon her,
polishing her grandmother's teaspoons.
Take hyssop, she will say, for lethargy.
To cast out trouble from your chamber,
bring alder leaves wet with dew.

See how her husband smiles upon her,
sitting quietly with her book.
Chamomile eases inward pain, she may say.
To avoid melancholy in dark winter,
stuff your pillow with dried purslane.

Savory soothes the pangs of despair.
Rowan will drive away frenzy.