Cereus Joys of Caretaking
From the prickly situation
delicate bursts of gentle
beauty like love’s sweet
whisper emerges
in night’s darkness
From the bristly service
everyday full of tasks
fraught with jabbing
thorns of duty and grief
born of love’s responsibility
In the still hours gloom
past twilight’s settling
tired hands tremble
as the heart of the matter
calls forth beauty
Love blooms once more
aching comfort in
a hushed moments rest
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The delicate cereus cactus blooms burst forth in the night. Being the caretaker for a declining family member has it’s moments. —Dena