We are Saguaro

~ Last of the Yaquis

By Paris RosemontPublished 3 years ago • Updated 3 years ago • 1 min read

I was born to be alone

Madre told me so

We are Saguaro, mija

We are tough—don’t need nobody

[She wants to keep me to herself]

Madre is right

I drink in my hairy arms

Who could love me like this?

Prickly right through to my pulp

It appears I wish to be left alone

Everyone keeps their distance

Just because I can survive in the Sonoran Desert

Doesn’t mean I enjoy the drought

I have a secret

I am harbouring a lover

A rosy-cheeked Gila Woodpecker finds his way under my skin

Perhaps love can nest within me yet

(Note: This is an Inverse poem. The nuance subtly shifts depending on whether it is read from top to bottom or bottom to top)

Thai Australian poet. Author of poetry collections 'Banana Girl', 'Barefoot Poetess', and chapbook >>glitch<<

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