It’s been said that the only difference between a weed and a flower is the value we place upon it. I’ll be the first to admit that my own evolution of thought regarding certain plants has shifted over the years as I’ve learned more about the natural world around me. There is one plant, however – call it a flowering weed or a weedy flower that was so inextricably linked to my well-being as a child that losing sight of its significance in my life had devastating consequences. It was only when I found my way back to it that I began to live my life fully – with authenticity and purpose.
In one of my favorite poems, Forgotten Language, Shel Silverstein writes,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers…
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed…
Once I spoke the language of the flowers.
How did it go?
How did it go?
The full story of my youth isn’t warranted here so I’ll skip to the part where my mother would take my siblings and me out to hunt for touch-me-not seed pods. Oh, what fun we had finding the fattest spring-loaded pods to set loose. Since we only saw her on the weekends, this time with her and these plants was precious and I cherished every moment. As my siblings grew older and less interested in flora my mom and I would take the old beat up Ford pickup into the woods with an Audubon field guide – just the two of us learning the language of the forest together. But I too got older, eventually married, embarked on a career in education and lost my connection with nature. And I suffered for years not fully understanding what was missing and feeling that I was not whole.
It was not until my marriage ended and my career shifted and my life seemingly ripped apart that I began to hear the faint voice of the flowers calling me back. And I listened…Like a lighthouse, a beacon in the night, this little weed, the most brilliant jewel of them all, helped me find my way back. I’m grateful every day for this second chance.
If you’ve been outside at all this year, you’ve likely noticed that jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, is thriving. While I know, intellectually, that this is due to our wet summer, there is a child-like part of me who likes to think it’s doing well because I’m doing well – we’ve found our way back to each other – two weeds thriving in a world full of flowers and embracing every moment.
~Michelle Poudrette
How wonderful to hear the life paths that have pulled you into and out of nature’s way. It seems when we need it most that it is there for us. So glad you are with Joshua’s Trust now. Thank you for your writing and support.
Hi Katherine,
Thank you so much for this lovely feedback. I’m grateful, everyday, that my path led me to Joshua’s Trust. It’s such a beautiful community.
🙂
Michelle
Heartfelt and vibrant narrative! Good reading.
George
Beautiful and moving essay. Nature has played a great role in my “second chance,” too, so I am especially appreciative.
Thank you, Pat. It brings me great joy to hear that nature has been a part of your life as well. It’s a beautiful thing. 🙂