Black Hollyhock

I remember when I first saw her.

I composed the hymn in my heart right away.

I can’t remember the other things

on display at the museum that day.

I only had eyes for that large dark flower

taking up most of the space in the composition.

I don’t recall the exact words I wrote later

but it was my first prayer of praise

for a goddess who taught me

how very beautiful 

and worthy of admiration

darkness can be.

Liner Notes for This Groove: In high school we had a trip to the Met in NYC, which is where I first saw Black Hollyhock and Blue Larkspur by Georgia O'Keeffe. I bought a print and wrote my first 'for fun' (as opposed to 'for homework') poem when I got home. I remember that I wrote it in the form of a prayer (I think I was inspired St. Francis's Canticle of the Sun) and that I liked it well enough to submit to my high school's literary magazine. And they accepted it! I think it was the first time it crossed my mind that I might enjoy this writing business.

Song Choice: Who Says by Selena Gomez & The Scene