The Song Of The Shepherd's Purse Fairy

Though I am poor to human eyes

Really I am rich and wise.

Every tiny flower I shed

Leaves a heart-shaped purse instead.

Considered a common weed in many parts of the world,

Shepherd's Purse is an edible plant with medicinal qualities.

As a food, this plant is naturally organic and rich in vitamins

and minerals like calcium, iron, and Vitamins A, C. and K,

as well as potassium and sulfur.  It can be used in salads,

sauteed in oil or butter, or in soups.

As a medicine, Shepherd's Purse tea or tincture is used to

help with bleeding problems both internal and external.
It is highly recommended that pregnant women avoid
eating Shepherd's Purse as it could bring on uterine contractions.

In each purse is wealth indeed-

Every coin a living seed.

Sow the seed upon the earth-

Living plants shall spring to birth.

Silly people's purses hold

Lifeless silver, clinking gold;

But you cannot grow a pound

From a farthing in the ground.

Money may become a curse;

Give me then my Shepherd's Purse.

"The Song Of The Shepherd's Purse Fairy"

Poem and Illustration

Cecily Mary Barker

(1895-1973)

Official portrait painter of  English flower fairies