Magic Brew

Recipes from grandmother

handed down for generations
lavender tea for a belly ache, 

add spices like; cinnamon
eucalyptus, raspberry, fennel, 

mint, parsley, or celery seeds.

Sprinkle into a pot sitting on a fire
let it steam, gurgle, and boil over,
stir with a wooden mixing spoon

strain and drain then store in bottles
or ceramic containers with sterile lids
place in cool places until needed.

No written scripts to help recall
precise lists of ingredients
the only way to learn these brews

is with regular visits with grandmother.
“Use chaparral tea for respiratory problems,
kidney disorders, and irregular periods.

Mother Nature gives us
an abundant source of medicines;
roots and barks found in the woods,

herbs, weeds and toadstools growing wild
careful with each selection because 
one can heal and the other can kill."

Training for those chosen, takes place 
in the kitchen of my grandmother,
a woman, whose face reflects the fire

creating magic in a large black pot
chopping, stirring and mixing
long after the moon has risen.