Knotweed Knotweed, how ugly you are! And maddening with your bountiful, red-edged, heart-shaped leaves, that burst along roadsides, and flourish in soggy valleys. Who did you eradicate to be here?
Nearing summer’s end, how you boast your cascade of yellowish plumes. How did you find your way? Were your chosen for your boldness — a gift to impress some distant other? Or did you catch a ride in some unsuspecting traveller’s cuffs?I approach, and — am I seeing you for the first time? Your tiny abundant snowflakes, warm whites like curtains draped over arching branches. I could take refuge in your cool middle. Quiet! The buzz of insects hovering from snowflake to snowflake, delighting in your nectar. I’ve heard about you, the antidote to Lyme, rampant in these parts. I’ve tasted you even, your wet bright crunch, briefly satisfying. Perhaps next Spring, when your first shoots, shoot, I’ll invite you into my kitchen and have you for tea.
27 August 2023, Margaux to Katie
Having Knotweed for Tea
Pardon me while I lift my limbs
and rest my roots at your table,
I do like to spread out a bit.
The way I see it
Soil is soil
Bees are bees.
Nature has a way of growing and giving,
invisible reciprocity
except for those who know how to look.
Please pass the tea!2 November 2023, Katie to Margaux
Lovely! I started following you on Instagram and love your images but also love your poems. Thank you for sharing your work here. 🙏
Delightful!