Tendril roots
albino blind
stretch into soils
untasted
to seek, ask,
draw
what is needed
for growth.
Heart stem
quickened
with native sap
of caring,
sweet enticement
to chewing, sucking pests
that mangle and weaken,
careless of undefended dreams.
Realization, evolution,
fortifications formed -
sharply defenced
for proximity is
precursor to pain.
Yet your love
slipped in
between my thorns,
trod twists and scars
on tiny tickling tarsi,
saw and understood.
Chose,
and choosing
answered
flutterings of hope;
settled resolutely,
nestled briars and all
in silken safety
of unconditional love.
Author notes
tarsi: (plural of tarsus) roughly, an insect's foot
See contest page for photo prompt...pic of small insect on substantial thorns (like bougainvillea)
A contest entry
- Prickly by Rebekah-Ann.
550 points, ended December 10, 2008, 10 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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This is terrific!
I esp like - "for proximity is/precursor to pain"
This is a 'hopeful' poem... it tells us that love will find us out no matter our defenses...
I enjoyed reading it
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Wow, woman! This is amazing! The first part shows such dependence and so beautifully answered...only to be disturbed by the "pests." Yet, you give such hope, that even our own inadequate defenses and failed attempts to compensate are met with the fullness of love...and what a perfect love you portray. These images are so freshly used, and powerfully so to deliver this encouraging message. And I love the way the title not only speaks of this symbiotic sort of relationship (plant to nutrients/ pest to plant), but of gratitude as well. Such richness! Thanks so much for sharing this!
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Another gorgeous extended metaphor/poem. Clouds of hail beat on one who approaches - only a muted rainbow for reward. I understand.
I want to shine more, scare less.
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mmm....
Founder of unconditional love. That’s rare! I loved the line of the love that slipped in between the thorns.
Thanks for your entry!
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Wow. Amazing. I love that last line, and the twists and turns throughout. This was an interesting experience to read.
Well penned,
~lost
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"Yet your love
slipped in
between my thorns"
Oh yes - the way it does!
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