Thistle weed of purple bloom
growing on hilltop
that sunny afternoon.
The weeds must be cut
before they go to seed
and spread the acreage wide.
But still see the beauty
in the thorns among us
a reminder sometimes beauty bites.
These thistles are something we have been battling against since we bought the acreage. Herbicides aren't an option and it ends up to us with repeatedly cutting and and digging out the roots. I've had the small thorns break off under the skin - absolutely no fun.
It doesn't mean we can't admire the beauty of the colorful flower before the cutting.
Posted at Poets and Storytellers United: Writers' Pantry #25: Summer Solstice
Yes, indeed we can see beauty anywhere, for it lies in the eyes of beholder.
ReplyDeleteLove the color but those thorns are aggravating. Thanks for stopping by, Vandana.
DeleteWeeds are usually pretty determined about surviving much like many other living things and yes, they can be beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes they are determined to live and propagate. There is another weed I might share someday and it's like a virus. Thanks, Robin
DeleteYour thistle poem reads like an ancient rhyme or spell, Joel. I love the final line.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful thing sometimes comes back to bite you. It could be a metaphor for many things. I appreciate your kind thoughts, Kim. Thank you.
DeleteI like this beautifully structured simplicity. And I have adored Scotch thistles since childhood: magnificent things – I don't care how many people tell me they are nasty weeds.
ReplyDeleteSome of these weeds are edible and we could eat them in a pinch provided one protects themselves. Thank you, Rosemary. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteI love the wisdom in this one, Joel! For certain "sometimes beauty bites."
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, Sanaa. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
DeleteNature has its own way of propagating thistles. Birds LOVE thistle seed, and graciously poop them all over the countryside! It's likely their beauty will be around forever!!
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, the birds and furry creatures spread thistles, burdock, multifora rose and the list goes on. It's a battle, Beverly. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
DeleteBeauty in thorns ... yes and the hurt penetrates. Your poem is lovely indeed, in spite of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen. Some of these blooms are lovely but leave the thorns behind. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteSome beauty is best appreciated untouched. Those spikes look quite pointy.
ReplyDeleteYes, as the saying: Look but don't touch, eh? One problem is having these grow in the hay and it's not good for cattle to chew. Goats on the other hand would eat these and laugh.
DeleteThank you for stopping by, Rommy.
Beauty is a complicated thing. And yes, quite often beauty comes with teeth... or thorns.
ReplyDeleteI cannot disagree, Magaly. It's complicated, especially when the thorns are included.
DeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing.
A note from my past. I bought a small farm in Pennsylvania many years ago. No one had lived there for at least 10 years. The backyard was nothing but thistles. Digging them all up was not an option, so I started cutting them down with a lawn mower week after week. By the second summer, there wasn't a trace of a thistle in the yard, and I could go barefoot. Ah, those were the days!
ReplyDeleteRegular mowing make a big difference, yes. The slopes of the pond and dam require a weed trimmer. I'm glad I sparked that memory, MMT. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYou have to admire the thistle--beauty and brains!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it works out that way, doesn't it? Thank you, Audrey.
DeleteI like this. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenna.
Delete"Beauty bites" indeed this happens. Your thistle is beautiful and inspiring
ReplyDeleteMuch💖love
Sometimes that is true, Gillena. I'm glad you like the bloom and the words. Thank you
DeleteWow, that flower is such beauty. and the poem is nice.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the color but not the needles. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteOh, I think thistles are beautiful and full of integrity. I found your blog via Poets United and I am glad I did. Your poetry is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Jenny, Sweden
https://www.jennyenochsson.se/
Thank you for stopping by, Jenny. I hope you find a welcoming place here. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
DeleteBeauty bites! And nettles sting!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it ends up that way, Colleen. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteLove this! I'm always beguiled by the grass burr flowers until they inevitably attach themselves to the dogs or catch one's bare feet.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chrissa. These blooms are beautiful but they are annoying at the least and painful at times. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteThat's a pretty little flower. I've cut many of them down before I left the farm, it was 120 acres.
ReplyDelete..