Alchemilla
Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle)
Photograph by Sue Greaves
The frilled edges of its leaves frame a bowl
In which is gathered Alchemist’s Dew:
Fine drops of water reflecting morning light
Drawn from the air; purer than gold.
Glitter after rain; quicksilver against green
Sits in its alembic of leaf, needing
No transmutation but itself an
Enchantment distilled from out of the Air.
This elemental Water is one of Earth’s
Treasures lingering under the Sun’s Fire
Until its elusive gold is drawn back
To suspire into the breath of being.
