Quite sharp,
This lovely thistle.
‘Tis often it’s defamed;
For being prickly, causing pain
It’s shamed.
But wait.
Wise butterfly
Knows there is nectar sweet;
It just requires the gentle touch
Of love.
E’en so,
It is with man.
Outer shell may seem harsh,
But love that probes more deeply may
Find good.
photo © Terry Valley
***
POETRY BY AHYOKA 