The cactus is a joyless plant
which to dry slopes inclines,
and those who would engage with it
are sure to feel its spines.
But once in every year or two,
the cactus brings forth fruits:
and then its golden succulence
its grimmer self confutes.
Before the "chumba" pine swells up,
the cactus flames in flower,
and I would brave its fiercest staves,
to see it in that hour!
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