The Hemp, 1889

The Hemp   Hemp with webbed leaf, Hemp is in bloom, In the air Pollen, like smoke, Corrugated above green strands, And, like a strong wine, his breath Gray heads in the plain. Hemp is ripe, Morning and evening We Read More …

Spark of Nature’s Fire, 1944

“Give me a spark o’ Nature’s fire, That’s a’ the learning I desire.” – by Robert Burns from ‘Epistle To J. Lapraik’ (An Old Scottish Bard) 1785     Woman smokes from a water pipe, photographed by John Gutmann –  India Read More …

I Am Coming From the Hemp Farm, 1977

Men carrying bundles of hemp to the Złoczów Market in Zolochiv, Ukraine. September 26, 1934 I Am Coming From the Hemp Farm (translated from Farsi) I am coming from the hemp farm Water on one side, Fire on the other Read More …

Far Away, 1906

“In the veil of smoke from pipe of clay, I picture my sweetheart far away.” Stereoview, 1906    

The Giantess, 1857

The Giantess In those days when Nature’s overwhelming Lust Engendered infant-monsters day by day I’d love to have lived with a young giantess. Like a lazy cat at the foot of my queen I’d lay. I’d watch her grow into Read More …

Behold the Time of the Assassins, 1872

Morning of Drunkenness O my good! O my beautiful! Atrocious fanfare where I won’t stumble! Enchanted rack whereon I am stretched! Hurrah for the amazing work and the marvelous body, for the first time! It began amid the laughter of Read More …

The Water Poet Gushes, 1620

“Here is Labor, Profit, Clothing, Pleasure, Food, Navigation: Divinity, Poetry, the liberal Arts, Arm’s, Virtues defense, Vices offense, a true mans protection, a Thief’s execution. Here is mirth and matter all beaten out of this small Seed.” -John Taylor, 1620 Read More …

Halloween’s Hemp Seed Sow, 1850

Some merry friendly country folks Together did convene, To burn their nits upon their stocks, An hold their Halloween. – Robert Burns, 1855   Tam O’Shanter and the Witches, illustration by John Faed to the poem of Robert Burns 1855 Read More …

The Hemp: A Virginia Legend, 1916

“For all he had one word alone, One clod of dirt in their faces thrown, “The hemp that shall hang me is not grown!” His name bestrode the seas like Death. The waters trembled at his breath. This is the Read More …

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, 1944

“Gather ye rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying.” – Robert Herrick (1591 – 1674)     Cutting hemp stalks, Naples, 1944