Papaveraceae Argemone Mexicana

Prickly all over,
           but for spider silk blooms.
Thorns studding stems,
           give purchase even for earthbound aluxob —
                                            any height might be scaled.
No barrier built keeps them out
           these bearers of cures and dreams.

Like their cousins everywhere,
           supple skirts spread to reveal baby rattle pod
           which, when finally split,
                                            spills myriad tiny balls.
Success is guaranteed.
The thistle, cousin in name,
           has also settled continents.
Thorny of leaf and pedicel, marauders kept at bay,
           bristling silk blades,
                                            blown to faerie down.

No barrier built keeps them out,
           these bearers of cures and dreams.

© Rhoda Neville

From A Cabinet of Curiosities: Reimagining Rare Books. A disparate trove of pieces created by students of Writing Practice and Study, inspired by their work with the Rare Book Collection in the University of Dundee Archives. See the collection on DURA now.