tactful cactus in poetry

the whole reason she
has all of those spines is
there’s something that’s
sacred inside of her
so marvelous and strong
such love and lightness
inside there to protect

if it wasn’t a miracle beneath them
underneath her spikes and her green
nothing would be attacking for it
nothing would covet to violate it
she would have no need to grow
daggers
daggers on top of her delicate skin
daggers on top of her verdant flesh
daggers on top of her beautiful soul

the whole reason she
has all of those spines is
she contains an ocean of life
in the middle of this vast desert
many would hurt her to get at it
but she needs it to live herself too
and must watch that she’s only shares it
with those who would sup at her lightly
and have respect for her deep waters

so there are spikes
there are spines there are needles
there are daggers there are blades
to protect how glorious she is
just underneath

Last updated April 08, 2018