When I need courage, I draw plants

 

Like safety can be quantified in drawing, therefore knowing, weeds which grow in my yard, at the side of the road, in the arroyo

 

In this dry gritty dirt where I sit, life springs up unadorned where animal or wind dropped seed,

in the middle of everything

 

Pencil lines arch, friction of hand slides over page, shakes loose what scares me

 

As shape becomes form, confidence is inspired by stems flung open wide to sun

Leaves bend in flow of breeze, shake loose, give themselves some room

 

Tiny flowers at the end of long peduncle
Entire plant, smooth to the touch
Blue-green leaves notched at the margin
Later, learn: Leaves edible, medicinal herb
Papalo Quelite

A practice to learn the secrets behind a name

 

Fortitude unearthed by greeting what lives at my feet