A Cactus (Emily Holyoak, 2020)
I’m hazardous, but contain the juice of life
The sun with it’s malignant stare, reflecting in your tedious sweat
I grant you a smidgeon of shade from the source of life and hell
Set your shoulders ‘neath the dunes and admire my rare blooming buds
Touch me not, for blood will spew
And an injury is not needed in my desert.
Night will fall, the thirst will call
Your throat as jagged as a dagger
Make the cut, I’ll save your life
But my juice is naught but tender.
My greenery, the scenery, I’m the star in your lonely sky
Like a comet soaring through your mouth
I’ll quench the earth so dear
Take me with you, and remember me
In your oasis dreams to hide.