Surviving without any water or even care,
the enigmatic cactus flower bloomed alone
in a harsh tropical desert lost somewhere,
hidden by its shy thorns and a quiet stone.

Adaptable to arid surroundings, silently it grew
pretending to be strong when it was so fragile.
Afraid of dark afternoons and everything new,
The cactus flower learnt to live in tender exile.

Being difficult to handle due to its spiky spines,
It is a beauty hardly ever cultivated or admired.
But even in solitude, this flower always shines
As it has the qualities a difficult life required.

Lovely plant of sweet pricks people fear
But they don’t know your pain and scars
Or even how many times you shed a tear
Sighing and gazing at the golden stars.

A delicate enigma, this flower will always be
for people who are heartless and totally blind
as it holds the mysteries some are unable to see,
those which are the most beautiful and refined.

Karla Bardanza