Read a Poem Out Loud

Amy (U.K.)

[Creative poem]

I had a bit of a brainwave today for a personal project. I discovered that there is a large community garden of herbs beside my building, and it's a lively spot to interact with the neighbours. I've decided this week I will embrace daily poetry by creating a series of poems as a pocket guide to my favourite flavours/scents that I find in the garden. I want to pay attention to the way poetry sounds aloud. So I am making an effort to hear the words as I write them.

Pennyroyal

"Take three fronds... this much... good in the summer,
No no here look, with strong scent and colour,
Safe? In my kitchen I've dried but not fresh"
Said the bald, old bicycler from Marrakesh.
"Drown them in tap water in a large pot,
Steep for five minutes, place a lid on top,
Good for your throat you see... trust me trust me"
A pleasant mint relative, not sure, could it be?
A quick fact check reveals 'soothing nerve tonic',
Yet 'abortifacient, volatile, undoubtedly chronic.'
In our community garden it thrives and grows,
Take the risk? Or good only for mosquitoes?