They called it witchcraft:

healing, gentleness, knowledge and skill

That early medicine, not to be trusted.

As years flew by

knowledge was left behind

lost to fear and superstitions.

Then they called it progress:

a pill or a shot

to replace what the mother gave to us

a realm reserved for medicine:

all antiseptic halls and chilled air

to remove us from the comforts of our roots.

The sorcery returns

as we return to the earth:

the goddess who has never left us

though her wisdom was rejected.

The strange magic of plants,

and the green that means life,

bestowing strength and wellness

upon us. ~ Caroline A. Slee