In Praise of Quiet Talent

Nestled into a shady corner
Alchemilla mollis
waits for a summer shower
to reveal her quiet talent.

Pause to consider
the meaning of her name:
"gentle alchemy:"
magical transformation
done softly, with ease.

Look closely:
Could these rain drops hold the
enchantment needed to change
zinc, or copper, or nickel
into gold?
This was once believed.

Look again:
Her leaves provide the platform
for perfect spheres of
clear moisture to
reflect
sparkle
rise to their true shape.
This is her power.
This is her magic.

Now pause, and consider once more.
She isn’t the showiest plant in the garden.
Her talents may be quiet.
They are still wondrous.