CACTUS GARDEN
Balboa Park, San Diego, Ca
Carrying their thorns proudly
in ways we don’t think of,
they reach tall, arching strong
knowing each prickly spear
each stay-away-from-me spike
is part of who they are.
Their blooming will arrive
in spring’s due time
surprising those disdainful eyes
who only fear lies
that promise doom and pain
ROSE GARDEN
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA.
I visit their garden
their pruning’s behind them
stems cleanly severed
planned with perfection,
Trusting the final outcome
they bloom
We survived our recent pruning
though close and severe
while still in our bloom
and ahead of our season,
there was nothing to fear
We can’t always know
reasons for seasons
Now roses smile
their rainbow shades
of pink, orange and reds
lavender blues
strutting lively hues as we do
Their fragrance lifts
the most fragile of hearts
and we remain strong
trusting the outcome,
subdued, renewed, blooming
We can’t always know
reasons for seasons
Jean E. Taddonio
No Thing Ordinary 