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The Cactus

In a sunlit corner of the garden a large, proud cactus stood tall in a green pot in front of a gilded mirror admiring itself resplendent in its armor of long spines and crowned with a purple flowering hat, until yesterday when it toppled over decapitated by a bug who was hard to see and had dined for days on the gooey center of its swollen vanity.

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Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/20/2024 6:08:00 PM

Hello Paul, I enjoyed your poem of pride and downfall. You show us the fragility of vanity and the unexpected ways in which life's challenges can bring even the proudest to their knees. I loved your imagery of the cactus, once resplendent, now toppled by an unseen bug, is both striking and thought-provoking. It prompts reflection on the transient nature of outward appearances and the importance of humility in the face of adversity. - Blessings, Daniel

Paul Willason
Date: 3/22/2024 2:58:00 PM

There is always an outcome, a price to pay....in this case commentary on the fallout from pride...rather extreme in the form of decapitation but hey, poetic licence. So grateful, once again, to receive yr comments my friend.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 3/20/2024 4:12:00 PM

outstanding, Paul. I got caught up in the story of the 'proud' cactus. I was impressed with your subtle use of such words as 'proud' and 'vanity' for they added depth to your imagery. Poor cactus...slowly eaten alive--the lowly bug brought about its demise. Creative writing, Paul! Have a splendid evening, Sara

Paul Willason
Date: 3/22/2024 2:55:00 PM

A bit of a fun write...came about by observation and subsequent application of a little dose of imagination. Many thanks for your comments and feedback dear Sara. Enjoy your evening...the day is just starting here