A Thorny Situation

Art: Mark Collins
http://markcollinsfineart.com/

Look around and see how this world

is created. How a protective mother owl

chose the acacia branches lined with thorns,

long and intentful, they easily knowing

their singular purpose, impressive when

there’s so much human longing for the same,

and the owlets perched there, not

understanding that they are part metaphor.

"Hooo hoo hooo!”

She could have chosen, let’s say, something

tall and in flower with lovely petals, soft delicate

petals of a particular lovely color, and there might

have been nectar pooled, readied for gravity’s

lapping tongue. That would have gotten me

talking about the spoiled gods of old, but it’s not

necessary, not in this place.

"Hooo hooopoooo!”

If you want to take something from this world,

the situation can get quite thorny and, sometimes,

it really should, but if you want something precious

to belong, to remain as it is, pray for thorns, invoke

thorns, call them your allies. I find this interesting.

“Kreep! Kreep!”

Perspective has so many angles. Look at them there!

How they wish they could venture forth

into the wild, unknown yonder. They’re scowling,

seemingly a bit grumpy, because they can’t.

They could, I suppose,

but this world was created with thorns.

© 2018-2019/Jamie K. Reaser

Book collaboration in progress with artist Mark Collins

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