Why Goldenrod
-After Major Jackson’s “Why I Write Poetry”
Because a bloom, above a leaf, above roots, draws a line to the center of the earth
Because spiciness is hiding in a neglected corner of my backyard
Because humility can wear a yellow-feathered hat
Because anyone can stop and smell the roses or the lilacs but goldenrod demands intention
Because my morning stretch mimics a tall, straight stem
Because in September, the sun is fading, and the dark of winter is coming
Because amidst sunflowers, coreopsis, and black-eyed susan, I yearn for more yellow
Because one day roads will be gone
and road rage will be gone
and roadsides will be gone
and goldenrod will quietly reach up to the sun
honoring whatever comes after
with a golden salute
Betsy Merbitz is a Chicago-based writer. She has been a featured performer at Homolatte and the Charm City Kitty Club, and a previous semi-finalist in the Guild Literary Complex Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards poetry competition. Read more.