Sister Andrew John’s Weblog 2

JOHNSWORT TEA

by Sr. Andrew-John

My father always said that Johnswort tea
was good for everything; that it would cure
a case of constipation, or the “runs,”
a painful itch, a cold or influenza.
“It equalizes everything,” he said,
“from head to toe, and keeps you out of bed.”

He sought and picked the golden weeds that grew
along the roads that led to Grampa’s farm,
and no doubt other roads; but I recall he’d
stop the car for Johnswort, while we kids,
restless, remembered summertimes before,
pastures to run, and haylofts to explore.

Later, at home, he hung the Johnswort up
from attic rafters, where it dried and lost
some of its brilliance – but a lovely smell
was loosened on the heavy, dusty air.
Next year, in jars, brown leaves were all we’d see;
“But just for grown-ups, kids, so let it be.”

“She’s got a touch of fever,” Mother said,
“she’d best stay home.” But Dad was skeptical.
“She’s only sick of school,” I overheard.
“He doesn’t care, “ I muttered to myself,
“He never does ! I’ll stay in bed today,
but tomorrow I am going to run away !”

I heard some clattering of pots and pans,
And thought how they would look for me, and Dad
would say, “I should have known that she was sick !”
Then he appeared, short-winded from the stairs,
carrying a cup – the “grown-up tea” – and said
“Now drink it, And tomorrow, out of bed !”