Cactus flowers

This is the season of cactus flowers and we have two different varieties in flower at the moment. Seeing them reminded me of this poem that I wrote about them a long time ago:

LESSON

The cactus does not curse the sun

But grows a thick skin, thick with

Spikes to shield her

Inner core.

The cactus does not mourn the drought

But gladly greets the dew,

Absorbing its precious drops

Of moist coolness.

Thus she takes the moment

To create dawn flowers of

White pristine freshness

In a husk dry world.

And when they shrivel as the sun climbs

She does not blame the heat or bewail

Their transient beauty, but releases them,

Freely, to the baking earth.

And turning inward, she rests in the

Dark secret roots of her fecundity.

July 3^rd 02

A lesson I would do well to remember at this time when I feel so out of sorts.