On the wild side

a poem by Jan Oskar Hansen

I’m a plant on the forest’s floor,
Newly discovered by a grumpy
Botanist who stung himself when
Touching my leaves; called me
A stinging weed!

Me! Who are deep green and full
Of purple flowers. I’m beautiful
More so than an insipid rose or
A quivering indoor plant tended
To by a housewife.

I’m strong and free, can look after
self, but prefer to live here,
Where I’m admired by fawn, wild
Goats and boars that know better
Than to touch my pride.