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In the Shade There Meekly Grows a Plant
urushiol (yoo-roo-shee-awl) is the name of the
compound in poison ivy that causes allergic
reactions.
In the shade there meekly grows a plant
With roots that hold on gently to loose soil.
In spring it rises up because it can’t
Contain its wish to bless. It will recoil
At the thought of being in the way
And will submit to being pulled for naught.
But usually it is left to humbly stay
And grow beside the creek. It’s favorite spot
Is next to poison ivy. Did you know
Jewelweed antidotes urushiol?
Simply crush the leaves, let juices flow
Upon the poison ivy rash—that’s all.
The pompless jewelweed plant just lives to serve
Man with kindness he does not deserve.
Its leaves without fatigue remain upraised
Like hands that praise their Maker patiently.
Touch a leaf and you will be amazed
How delicate it is. It gracefully
Defers to breezes. When the summer comes
Each flower with its tiny orange purse
Arrives with happiness to sow. Like crumbs
Spread silently, each seed will be dispersed
So next year there will be a bank of gems.
The flowers have a humbleness. They share
A beauty that does not impose a scent.
They keep themselves bowed down as if in prayer.
The jewelweed also goes by “Touch Me Not;”
He who named it knew its modest thoughts.
.
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Gigi Ryan is a wife, mother, grandmother, and home educator. She lives in rural Tennessee.
Gigi, you opened my eyes to the use of jewelweed which, I often observed in nature, yet never realized its healing properties. You so beautifully describe the humble looking “pompless” nature of the flowers and I love the touching phrase, “bowed down as if in prayer.” This is a precious and informative poem.
Dear Roy,
Thank you for your comment. The more I learn about the healing properties of plants, the more I notice their physical attributes, meditate on their character, and even admire them. Perhaps it helps me to see the “soul” of them.
Gigi
This is one of my favourite poems of yours, Gigi. I didn’t know that the Touch-me-Not is also called The Jewelweed. You have chosen a beautiful and simple style of narration as if telling a tale. I would like to believe this is an informative piece. It’s rife with images, but the one where these leaves are described as hands praying to God is outstanding. The turn where you reveal the other name completely amazed me. Thank you so much for this. God bless you!
Dear Shamik,
Thank you for your encouraging comment. Yes, this is at least in part informative. I love to study herbs. As I have learned to identify them, I look forward to watching their stories unfold each year. This is the first poem I have written about a plant (other than trees, which are always inspiring me) but I trust not the last.
God bless you, too.
Gigi
Jewelweed proliferates by many roadsides in southern Ontario during the summer months, and your lovely poem reminds me how much I enjoy seeing it in vast abundance on my forest walks. Its peachy orange color is so unique, and a pretty, delicate contrast to the daisies and the milkweed. I stopped trying to cut its blooms to put in water on my table, because it always perished right away. A testament to the jewelweed’s transient, ephemeral beauty!
Dear Corey,
It is good to hear from someone else who appreciates jewelweed’s transient beauty. (I love that expression, thank you.) I too have learned that it does not want to sit in water on my table, so I only bring it home to make a poison ivy tincture or soap. It is as if it is sad to have been removed from its home, it wilts so quickly. However, I believe it is glad to have a usefulness beyond the summer.
Gigi
This is such a beautiful poem that enhances awareness of the beauty around us. There is so much we take for granted! Any poem that leads to a greater appreciation of nature and a more observant attitude is really a triumph in my view. Thank you Gigi.
Dear Maria,
Thank you for your comment. I took nature and beauty for granted so much as a younger person. I am still learning to appreciate it. I have found that it is not too late to see the past with a new appreciation.
Gigi
Good observations and a warmly inviting meditation. It made me think of the parable of the wheat and tares. I think of personal relationships, the way people around me are mixed–from an egocentric point of view, the good-for-me mixed with the not-good-for-me. And those good for me are often healers for experiences of those not good for me. Seems a potential symbol for long term relationships too. We all give each other a rash occasionally, but possess within the means to heal the very rash we cause. Very thought provoking poem.
Dear Daniel,
Thank you for taking my thoughts a step further. Your witty observation, “We all give each other a rash occasionally,” is excellent, as is your resolution, “But possess within the means to heal the very rash we cause.” Great application.
Gigi
I recognize jewelweed (though not by name) from encounters with it in several states. It is a pretty weed, but as you, Gigi, and others note, not worth collecting as a display flower because it immediately droops when removed from where it grows. Still, in addition to the medicinal properties you write of, its flowers and seeds are good to eat. So are the leaves, but I have heard one should not eat much of them because those strong chemical properties can distress sensitive stomachs.
Glad to know of your interest in herbs, which certainly make a fine subject for poetry or prose.
Dear Margaret,
I was not aware that the seeds and flowers of Jewelweed were edible. I will have to try them!
Gigi