Story of The Weed - Tale of Inspiration
What is the definition of the word "weed"? I know a lot of writers who start out a paragraph with this kind of question end up giving the exact definition from their desired dictionary, but I'm not going to do that. Sorry and You're Welcome to whom it may concern.
To me, a self-described plant nerd, a weed is simply an undesired plant inside a desired plane of earth; it can also be described as the right plant in the wrong place. I don't believe any plant should be considered a problem in and of itself. It's just a matter of logistics.
Stop for a minute and consider something with me...
My driveway has been scraped down to bare clay out of a cow pasture and covered with packed asphalt crush and run for almost eight years. The other day I easily pulled out at least thirty "weeds" from the area where we park our cars near our house! I probably have to do this three or four times a season.
The crab grass, bluegrass, clover and whatever else a cow pasture is made up of was there first, right? Well, even if its been carved up out of a mountainous, rocky pasture and sat upon by two couple thousand pound vehicles for a lot of years, these plants still make their way up to meet the sunlight... and thrive, no less.
UNTIL...
Someone comes along and pulls the weed up out of its comfortable spot and leaves it to wither away. It seems like something doesn't want it there, huh?
It takes some time and energy, but eventually there will be another plant where the other was pulled from. That "weed" doesn't care one way or the other whether it'll get pulled and die or grow and thrive... it just erupts out of brief collamity and does its best to be just what it was meant to be...
A metaphorical thorn in someone's side or an object of healing.
"A weed is a plant whose virtues have not been discovered."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
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When I first read the headline I thought you were talking about the type of weed you smoke or vape. It intrigued me since I’m a fan of that type of weed. Then I realized it was about a different type of weed. I still enjoyed reading even though it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Interesting take on the subject. I remember i had a Jamaican friend who commented on a Purple flower in a flower shop. She was surprised that anyone would pay money for the flower, because in Jamaica they grew everywhere and were considered weeds. Sometimes one person’s weed is another person’s treasure.
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I've always liked that Emerson post. I'm really involved with wild plants in Alaska, as wrote a couple of books about them. It is amazing how a weed can find its way to the light in seemingly impossible circumstances. If we had the same commitment to our businesses, think of what we could do!
Yes, you should see how many plants I care for in just my house let alone outside! I'm especially proud of my Peace Lilly that proudly sits on my hearth.
Where can I find your books? I'd very much like to read your work.
As for your last statement, I couldn't have said it better myself!
Sha, will PM you about the books. Thanks for the request.
Great! Thanks so much!