also known as Johnny jump up, heart’s ease, heart’s delight, come and cuddle me
Into the shade by the porch
bloomed the first wild pansy,
its small yellow face sunny
and eager and open.
The Athenians used to make
the tiny flowers into syrup
to moderate anger and
to comfort and strengthen the heart.
And here it is today,
small volunteer beauty,
growing in this patch of dirt
where nothing else wants to grow.
This tiny garden is but one of many
concurrent realities—others involve
hospitals short of beds, loved ones
gone, doctors scared to go home.
Our hearts need strengthening.
Little violet, we’re learning, too,
how to be surrounded by death
and still rise up, bring healing as we bloom.
Just wanted to tell you that your poems have been reaching me, and often speaking to exactly how I’m feeling. I see them every day via email. Some phrases you write stick with me, like in the poem about sitting on the couch with your son. Thank you.
💚From Australia, where I am sitting in bed with my black cat listening to it rain and dreaming about planting trees.
Thank you, Zoe–that poem has really stuck with me, too, which is to say that the moment sticks, and the poem helps it stay close …sending you blessings in Australia–may you be well, may we all be well.