Compassion For a Cactus

You handsome fellow standing erect
and unassuming in your clay pot
never moving a muscle of your prickly being
nor muttering a complaint
I know what you are thinking
as you stare out my window
at the blanket of white 
Why are you not in the heat 
of the desert under an azure sky
drinking in the sunshine
that is rightfully yours!
How dare someone take away
the wide open spaces of your childhood!
the beauty of the evening sunset
and night sky that only the desert knows!
Your silent curses will be a punishment 
by not rewarding me with the beauty
of a flower - 
Yes, that will do it..
I will have to be content to stare at
your lanky spiraling body which
will stick a finger and make it bleed
But, since I do feel your pain
you shall have a larger pot in which to live
so you may grow lean and old
and think of what might have been..
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 4, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Neat alliterative title! Excellent personification... i must try one. Full of poignant emotion and splendid word use... BRAVO Valerie! Best wishes, Keith (PS if you can stand it, please take a look at 'Portrait;' it's one long extended poem so you need only comment once!)
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
November 17, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Poor Cactus. I watch the snowfall and feel for the guy. Send me somewhere warm. Now, but not in the after life. God Bless. Vince
Degenhardt Avatar
November 7, 2008 at 5:32 AM
You not only briught this to life, you gave it an identity. It must feel just as you wrote. So clear and flowing and makes me sad for the potted cactus. Michael
Cailo Avatar
November 7, 2008 at 3:59 AM
A very creative and nice use of subject - cactus :) Teri
Torres Avatar
November 5, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Valerie you are so talented . I can't waite to read the rest of all your poems. In time I will wow. kGod bless you and thnk you for your kind comments Micahel Torres.
Torres Avatar
November 5, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Excellent write Val great theme and creative thoughts. Loved it very much. God bless you Michael
Richards Avatar
November 5, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I love this...a cactus with an attitude! Not coming forth with a flower just out of spite! Great poem, Valerie!! ~ :) Love, Carrie
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