| Wall of Thorns by Bobby Whitworth |
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| The winds blow past His eyes sting His head throbs The walls are so high Thorns intertwined with husks of flowers Sharp twigs covered with moss Old walls, how old we don't know, we just know they are for him They are made of him "Where's your father?" asked the snake "Working in the garden. Over there." She points towards the monolith "He's pulling the weeds and trying to tear down that wall" "I don't see him." She stands She points She frowns She doubts "He's resting. Sleeping under the shade of the tree. He's watching the clouds And drinking his tea. I told him if he doesn't work hard He'll never be done. He doesn't do this for fun." The man sat leisurely Casually rubbing his chest His facial hair unkempt His clothes a mess "That wall looks scary. What is it from?" "They are from my mommy Cause daddy was dumb." The Daddy, exhausted, Got up to his knees He looked at the wall Put his hand on the tree With a grimace he stood And made for his axe To head to the mass His shoulders relaxed When he reached for support For balance A thorn found his blood "Son of a bitch!" He screamed as he swung High and low the blade Cleaved with fever and angst. He hacked and he cut But made no head way Hurt his arms, hurt his back "One day he will learn that he is doing it wrong. He is using his force, his big muscles so strong. My daddy will hurt himself more on the thorns Before he learns that patience with do ore." Daddy looked to the wall High So high So sharp So cutting Daddy looked to the wall... And saw light. "Look there." she said to the snake. "I see him standing, defeated." the snake replied "You grown ups only see with your eyes! My daddy is so close. One more step and he will have succeeded!" High So high So sharp So cutting Daddy let go the axe It fell to the ground With soft touches, not punches, He felt around. His voice harsh from the toil, Spoke softly "The thorns do not hurt when I touch them softly. Perhaps my blade was not true. I can move through them if I do but gently... My dear I will see you." He slowly moved forward Then out of sight The thorns held him in a tight embrace. He closed his eyes to the barbs, But through slits saw an opening, a space. As he pushed through the canopy An opening lied there in And a beautiful woman sat on the ground Here knees pulled up to her chin. "My sweetness" he cried! He slowly crept forward "Bobby?" she spoke, but she needed no words. He ran to her "I've loved you for eternity And all of forever. I won't let you go again, my beautiful girl. I won't let you wrap yourself in these thorns." She held him close, "I'm Sorry." "I'm just glad you're here" she hugged back. "Daddy's finally found mommy." |
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