SPICE OF LIFE
Strong odor rises
from our footsteps
as we tramp through
a small, wooded glen
set in farmland
but never worked.
What's that smell?
Pure strand of
soft-stemmed plant
holds out clusters
of white flowers and
heart-shaped leaves.
Alliaria officinalis
or garlic mustard
has been used by
generations of
ordinary folks.
Though the authorities put
a price on your head-
alien, invasive, exotic-
my ancestors who
had no other seasoning
used you as
"sauce-alone".
