Jumping cholla is pronounced "koya". It is a truly terrible plant to physically encounter. Look it up. It is not really about the cactus. Please share my poems far and wide.
There is a thorn - a nightmare thorn - that cannot be pulled from the skin. It is covered with tiny barbs that allow it only to be pushed deeper in. It burrows when it is touched. It seeks the fleshy core. It is never happy with a surface wound. It always wants more, more, more! It never attacks alone, as well. It bristles and waits for the unwary. It is a jumping cholla spine; and yet it is far less scary, because it doesn’t pretend nor hide and then stab the world from the left-hand side.
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.