Medieval Party of Three

In medieval times it was believed that We
humans, that is, can be summed up by parts of three
not referring to the almighty trinity
they are the Rational, Sensitive, and Vegetative versions
of We, but you already knew
of this rational ability used as a harness
or you'd reasonably choose not to read this
a veritable, factual, brain food buffet
digesting and investing

The next part of us is perhaps a bit
of a stranger that cannot be trusted
just yet-leary of the sensitive side,
with shades of red, oft suppressed, sub-hued
for all its, weepy, sappy splendor, spontaneous
combustions of joy and rage,
kindled faith and love
sparks fly-implode
adoring and abhorring

Completing the homo erectus trifecta
the vegetative, it grows on you
strangling with seeds of sustenance
adding flavor, dashing zest and verve
sugar and spice, these are signs of life
wishing to be savored, simmered
leaves drink the energetic sun
emitting aromatic gasps and pants
devoured whole, after taste

Gathered together in trinity
the Rational, Sensitive, Vegetative me
are branches of our thinking tree
where experience is planted, knowledge nourishes
and ideas grow like weeds
the synergistic nature of threes
unbalanced teetering imagery
ideally revealed in poetry.


Image of painting by By Leopold Kupelwieser (1796-1862) (Diocese de Rouen) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons, 'Journey of Three Kings', c. 1825.