Stinging Nettles Poem by Janaki Nilmini

The first among to wake up in the Spring
The award winner, comes with a sting
Cannot touch the super herbal queen
Stinging Nettle pubescent and green


Urtica dioica is the botanic name
Dioica is the one with European fame
Tropical cousins are all not the same
Strong and sharp, they can make you lame

Each sting is a delicate hollow hair
Stiffened with a tip of silica ware
Swollen base that stores the venom with care
Shoots itspayload, touch, if you dare

Transmitters are same as yours and mine
Acytylcholine, serotonin and histamine
If stung by nettles, remedy is close at hand
Do not go far, Dock is where you stand