Holy Basil

As I walked along a path in the herbal garden, I picked a green leaf from its hairy stem and felt the gentle presence of the Holy Basil in my hand. "What am I to know about this plant?" I wondered to myself.

Surprised, I heard a gentle whispered response, clear as day: "That I am here to take you to the quiet place, your calm center of peaceful dreams."

I looked around, but I was alone. Alone with my thoughts. And thoughts that were not my own.

I took the Holy Basil into my mouth and chewed on it. The slight tickle of its clove-like taste awoke my tongue. It was soon delicate and moist between my teeth.

"Yes, enjoy me. I will take you where you want to go. Now go lie down!" she commanded,