Ocotillo

A sunbaked pile of dead sticks in the ground
I’m a divine oversight, it would seem
Hundreds of long spines poke out all around
Yet inside resides a colorful dream

I’m a divine oversight, it would seem
Look past my thorns, though they do seem countless
Yet inside resides a colorful dream
Deep down, I’m hiding a beauty boundless

Look past my thorns, though they do seem countless
Moisture kisses my roots in the springtime
Deep down, I’m hiding a beauty boundless
To this kindness, sprout tiny leaves sublime

Moisture kisses my roots in the springtime
Chlorophyll captures hard radiation
To this kindness, sprout tiny leaves sublime
Transmutes into my dream’s pigmentation

Chlorophyll captures hard radiation
My plumage explodes forth with colors bright 
Transmutes into my dream’s pigmentation
In proud defiance of sun's bleaching light

My plumage explodes forth with colors bright 
I sprout a thousand flames rose tangerine 
In proud defiance of sun's bleaching light
Brush bold orange on the baked desert scene

I sprout a thousand flames rose tangerine 
Hundreds of long spines poke out all around
Brush bold orange on the baked desert scene
A sunbaked pile of dead sticks in the ground

3/27/16
For contest: A Pantoum, A Poet's Choice
Sponsor: Eve Roper
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Rios Avatar
May 25, 2016 at 6:52 AM
Love the imagery
Quigley Avatar
May 25, 2016 at 7:58 AM
Thank you, Abdiel!
Hicks Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 8:44 PM
P.S. I'm notoriously bad for getting back with people (sorry 'bout that) ... in regards to the move. I'm leaving to get closer to some family that lives in Georgia: my brother, his wife, my two nieces etc., I have written about the topic a little bit, but not a whole lot ... I'm sure I'll have some different stuff to say when I actually get there! Thanks for being interested.
Quigley Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 11:13 PM
Certainly. Raises interesting questions!
Hicks Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 8:41 PM
Your visions and language is always fascinating to read ... and I learned a random new flower (that I may never see), but hey, it sure does look interesting! "I'm a divine oversight, it would seem" that was my favorite line of this pantoum. Wonderful win!
Quigley Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 11:12 PM
Thanks, Timothy!
Raven Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 3:29 PM
Hi Tom, a beautiful Pantoum, Congratulations on your win in the contest....Mike.
Quigley Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 11:12 PM
Thank you, Mike!
A   Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 9:59 PM
Tom, Congrats on your "Pantoum --Poet's Choice Win." ~LINDA~
Quigley Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 10:08 PM
Thanks, Linda!
Haight Avatar
April 5, 2016 at 5:23 PM
Such a lovely, well-written tribute to this beautiful desert flower, Tom. Congratulations on your fine win. Sandra
Quigley Avatar
April 5, 2016 at 5:48 PM
Thanks, Sandra!
Gupta Avatar
April 5, 2016 at 10:33 AM
So rich in poetry. Would like to read over and over again...Congratulations for the win...
Quigley Avatar
April 5, 2016 at 5:48 PM
Thank you, Probir!
Smith Avatar
April 4, 2016 at 8:54 PM
Beautiful win Tom, congratulations ...
Quigley Avatar
April 5, 2016 at 6:15 AM
Thanks, Charlie!
Allison Avatar
April 4, 2016 at 4:54 PM
WOW such stunning imagery and the images are superb congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx7
Quigley Avatar
April 5, 2016 at 6:16 AM
Thank you, Jan!
Warrior Avatar
March 29, 2016 at 8:05 AM
Even the baron lands display their beauty...loved your verse Tom...^WW^
Quigley Avatar
March 29, 2016 at 10:35 AM
Thanks, WW!
Turner Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 8:59 AM
I love the desert and the desert foliage. I especially like the Joshua Tree and the saguaro cactus. Great poem Tom. I like it! Peace my friend:)
Quigley Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 9:38 AM
Thanks Daniel!
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