The Old Cholla Poem by Juan Olivarez

There's a big old cholla, in the desert sands,
With a tiny nest inside.
Out in the Mojave is where it stands,
There a desert bird does hide.

No safer fortress could she have found,
To lay her eggs with care.
For nothing that flies, or walks on the ground,
Can get to her in there.

With spines as sharp and lethal as spears,
In safety she does repose.
In her thorny castle she has no fears,
She keeps her fledgelings close.

I left her there so long ago,
And I'm sure she's doing fine.
She cocks an ear as the Santanas blow,
Contented and with peace of mind.

2/22/12 Alton Texas