a bonsai of thorns
the midget cactus stood there
next to the train tracks
under blistered sun
drowning in the drought
shriveled up like raisins
as if waiting for a ride
she just turned, and was eight
set to save its life
to be the hero
with sparkling pink dress
taking stellar cellular photos
barking demands, was her super power
I, the parent
plucked and planted the cactus
according to her whimpers
in an elephant ear pot
spreading multi-colored pebbles like frosting
adding faucet rain drops
magnify glass, tweezers and lamp
surgically removing miniature thorns
from callused grown up fingers
measuring no regrets
in exchange for adolescent smiles
pondering lessons learned
passing by, a green fly swatter
in hand makes a Jedi’s sword
daring to save the planet
killing flies one smack at a time
running into the black cat
and a bonsai of thorns
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
how to pick up a cactus
have an excellent day
“A bonzai of thorns” . . . such a tender story of a parent’s love and a beautiful title. Very touching.
Miss Demure Restraint - November 10, 2011 at 11:42 am |
Ouch! oooch! and More Ouch!,,,, But some one was Happy! and Im sure the Bonsai Cactus… is Happy in its little pot..
Sue Dreamwalker - November 10, 2011 at 12:56 pm |
Yes, in order to accept humans as they are, we must “except” them from our own checklists! And how much like cactii we are! Just loved your self-confessed gardening learning curve, as well. Images? FAB!
granbee - November 10, 2011 at 2:47 pm |
Thank you for sharing such beautiful writing!
thislittlelark - November 12, 2011 at 11:33 am |
I’m deeply touched by your beautiful writing,simple words but addicting you’ll want to read on and on…
Cynthia Ann Katon-Alfonso - November 13, 2011 at 6:13 am |
I love your writings. They bring peace to me:)
Divya Srikanth - November 13, 2011 at 9:25 am |