Sacred Spice
By Deb Blakley
Fragrant and beautiful Star Anise
Pepper worth fortunes, crossing the seas,
Garlic to heal you and Cumin to shout,
Cinnamon, sweet as a kiss on the mouth.
Cloves, for preserving and also for pain,
Nutmeg, the bringer of fortune and fame,
Cardamom, Sesame, pale Ginger too,
Swirled into curries, stir-fries or stews.
Comfortable herbs of Basil and Thyme,
Sage and Oregano, Tarragon, Freeze Dried Chives.
Parsley, helping the others to blend,
Rosemary, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint.
Set them to simmer for tincture or tea,
for poison or poultice, or visions to see.
Powerful Turmeric, worker of wonders,
Allspice from islands of sunshine and thunder.
Bark, root and berry, leaf, seed and flower,
pick, dry and sort them, sweat them for hours.
Born of Creation and blessing us twice,
with health and with flavor, sweet sacred spice.