Thou, rosemary woman, art small....

For Laura M.

[ rosmarinus officinalis - or rosemary - is a herb whose evergreen leaves give off a sharp, almost lemon-scented fragrance when crushed. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and was said to be draped around Aphrodite when she rose from the sea.

Newly wed couples in the Middle Ages would plant a branch of rosemary on their wedding day. If the branch grew, it was an happy omen, signifying a lifetime of loyalty. It was said that placing a sprig of rosemary under a pillow before sleep would keep nightmares at bay.

The name rosemary derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which is from "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea" because in many locations it needs no other water than the humidity carried by the sea breeze to live.]

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Thou, rosemary woman, art small
with golden streaks,
repelling nightmares,
rooted deep.

Thou, rosemary woman, art a good omen -
everblooming,
beloved on land yet
longing for the sea.

Oh, thou small, gold-streaked thing, take heart!
A sea-breeze Sabbath is on th' way!
He who made thee knows thy every part
& craves your good; loves life, not death;
Well knows thy name, Dew of the Sea,
& loves your frame; He spoke it in a breath.