Poetry

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TEACHING A YOUNG CACTUS TO PRAY

As never before seen
by me
right there
the cactus stood
proud,
tall,
and very prickly
with its many sharp thorns.
It had not as yet grown any arms
to uplift in true prayer
to father God
who
not only made it come to be
but also
had kindly surrounded it
with a bunch of humble plants too
all flowering with wondrous color
and
so sweet beauty.
Hey!
Bend your head
and see your companions
right there at your feet.
See
their happy song of
outright praise
to
the Lord of Creation,
my heart mind soul
told the cactus
in words
only angels can hear.
You are not just embraced
by hot, dry air and cloudless skies.
beauty
dances right there
all around you,
a happy,
joyous
company of friends
vermilion and yellow
and purple
and pink white
petals.
Holey Smoley!
What a superabundant,
beautiful bouquet of flowers
to delight you!
If only you dare
smell and see them,
you, too,
would be so moved
to grow some arms
like the other cacti
of the Arizona desert
and
lift them up high
in rapturous praise
every sunny day,
star starry night.
Beauty
given truly
is
the tender kiss
of our Father God.


Come, young cactus,
rejoice
with the flowers
and with me.
Our God knows
each of us
and
has loved us
into being
just the ones we are
on this beautiful blue planet,
Earth.
Come on, young cactus!
grow some spiny thick arms
right now
and lift them high!
Come dance and sing with us, too!

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