Prickly
Caution is the best course
when handling her heart, so prickly.
Like a desert cactus, she knows the source
of the waters that scarred her so thickly.
The very same, quench her thirst
but she so rarely drinks.
Parched and stark but first,
of others, she always thinks.
When she blooms, it's glorious
the colors like none ever viewed.
Inflorescent laborious,
leaving those who've seen, imbued.
The thorns, each, a reminder
of just how perfectly rare
it is, even to be near her-
cherish and handle with care.
BLT