Bickering Birds

We can all thank Ben for this unique photograph. When I received his  email  with this photo atached, I knew at first glance that there had to be a story hidden in the scene.

Cactus Flower

Having lived in Arizona since 1960, I’ve had lots of exposure to the desert critters and plant life.  A major portion of our plants are cacti and they contribute greatly to our unique landscape.

It is a surprise to some that cacti have flowers, It’s probably safe to say that all cacti have flowers; some bloom only at night.

The Hedgehog Cactus, found in the Phoenix area, is a daytime bloomer. Its lovely flowers add color to our desert in the spring months. The photo for today’s poem was taken along the trail just east of Shaw Buttes Mountain in North Phoenix. . . . .

                            
I’d sure like to find that no-good guy
That suggested “Hedgehog” as my name
Got a moment? Let me tell you why
He should humbly bow his head in shame

Do I look like a pig? Not hardly!
Yet he called me one just the same
And I sure don’t look like a Harley!
It’s just not right, but hog is in my name?

That’s only half the story I have to tell
Do I look like a well-trimmed shrub?
That part of my name is a joke as well
The name “hedgehog” is really a snub!

Every spring when my flowers do bloom,
My critter friends gather around for a view
With a fragrant aroma like sweet perfume,
Wouldn’t “Desert Rose” sound better to you?

***********

Stuff:  According to Wikipedia cactus can be singular or plural; similar to the words fish or deer. However, other acceptable plurals are cacti and cactuses.

Guard Dog

Time to lighten up alittle with my poems. Enjoy the short poem that I found hidden in the scene.

Final Inspection

A special tribute to our veterans . . . . Veteran’s Day.

Originally called Armistice Day, officially ending World War 1 ….. Nov 11^th at 11:00 AM in 1918. Thank you, veterans!

Homeward Bound

The setting for today’s poem is a typical small village in France with its cobble-stone walkways.

The elderly gentleman and the unique lighting add the emotions needed to stir-up my literary desires. In my mind, a story unfolded and this poem evolved. . . . . . enjoy!

The man hobbles with trusty cane

Obviously in deep-felt-pain

Substance in left hand, support in his right

He struggles forward, with goal in sight

His frame shows the hardships felt

From the book-of-life he’s been dealt

Yet he walks with his head held high

An occasional eye raised to the sky

With heavenly strength raining down

He’s sure to make it across town

To an anxious family that’s awaiting

And a birthday they’ll be celebrating!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Today’s photo-credit goes to Kristin of French Word-a-Day. You might remember her. It was her photo that inspired the poem, “Le Paysan”. She has ambitiously set out to publish her next book and she plans to do it in just 21 days. Want to help her? Check out the link above and join in the editing.