No pungent, glaring obvious red rose
That draws the unsuspecting gazer near,
But, then, when guards go down, emotion flows,
That pricks the skin, draws blood and then a tear
Is my true love. But like the stately hemps
With stellar leaves and elegant, smooth length
And quiet, dainty, saffron blooms, she tempts
With subtleties, intricacies and strength.
Her leaves, take them and brew a tea that soothes.
Her stem, take it to hold or wrap or brace.
Her seeds, take them and season well your soups.
Her sap, take it and freshen up your face.
Her blooms, take them, inhale and if not first,
Then later, from clean air your love will burst.
"Sonnet V" was first published in Son(love)nets, 1975. Its conceit of the hemp plant represents a more profound love than the more obvious symbols of love (roses); less romance is involved, so the poem is a studied review of other deeper qualities held by the one true love.
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