Jumping Cholla Poem by Juan Olivarez

Jumping Cholla,
Does not jump.
To really hurt you,
It requires a bump.

But jumping cholla,
Is a Teddy Bear,
With terrible claws,
That rend and tear.

Out in the desert,
It multiplies,
Like alien beings,
Come from the sky.

It takes over everything,
Everything in sight.
And patiently waits,
To pick a fight.

If you should ever,
Happen to meet,
Run don't walk,
Dont smile retreat.

February 24th,2016
29 Palms California