Coriander and Oregano: An Idyll

Rosemary, marjoram, cinnamon, basil—
Oh, what delightful words to say!
Oh, what sensations, verbal and nasal!
Savory, juniper, anise, bay!

Who was the poet, who was the paragon—
He who discovered these names sublime?
Caraway, cardamon, chervil, tarragon,
Lovage and borage, nutmeg, thyme!

Oh, how delicious the delicate savoring,
Tongue-tip-tasted on outspread palm
Or merely read in the chapter on flavoring!
Sesame, saffron, fennel, balm!

Morris Bishop

Starling Murmuration,  - RSPB Minsmere, Airwolfhound