Solidago
I bow down to the seaside goldenrod
with its gleaming yellow, an exquisite
shade of which can hardly be described.
They mostly point upward like hands that aren't
tired but gracefully steadfast. Below my feet
are seldom footprints from recent travelers
no longer here. In this coastal playground for
wandering souls, the goldenrod blooms
strikingly beautiful through late fall, when far
less humans visit here to see their glory.
And for solo travelers in this chilly season
I contemplate--maybe we too can see the reflection
of our own quiet late bloom, with no other
witness necessary. While wearily I question
the influence of this golden signpost,
I kneel onto the path clothed, but so unadorned
in spirit, run my hands deep through the sand
of this beach I long for real connection with
and remember its scientific name, Solidago,
which in Latin means "to make whole."