Journals of the Heart

A cactus spread out, like a grand affair
Appearing to be such a prickly pear

Living in the heat of desert’s day
This is life, it knows no other way

Living where others wouldn’t dare
Growing without much effort or care

Time worn, rough on most every edge
Nature hoped to rob, beauty pledged

On the outside it is tough and strong
Covering a habitation of sweet song

In the midst of barren desert brown
It blooms forth a vibrant hopeful sound

Yet most failed to honor or recognize
The precious offering of life inside

In dismal places of death, it is life
Bearing fruit regardless of plight

Prepared for any who come its way
Needing sustenance in the heat of day

Its life, its purpose displayed, to unfold
A hedge of thorns protecting fruit of gold

Ready to feed, ready to freely give
Nourishment given so another might live

All that is life does not dwell in paradise
Nor come in forms of beauty to please the eye

Like one before, wearing a crown of thorns
Ridiculed, beaten, abused and torn

An unlikely choice in the place of death
Bearing the fruit of life, eternal breath

Fear not the desert, nor the heat of day
For some are lost along the way

You are clothed in a covering of thorns
A fountain for the traveler, tired and worn

An unlikely choice in a world of death
Bearer of God’s life, eternal breath.

Brenda Craig Copyright 2007