Prickly Pear
Lynn Hirschberg used the term “prickly” to describe Madonna in a Vanity Fair piece in the early nineties, and since that time I’ve found it an apt term for many of my moodier moments.
These blooms are from the prickly pear cactus – a gift from my friend Sue. I always forget I have them on the side of our yard until they burst into the bright color you see here.
It’s not a bad thing to be called prickly. It denotes an armed sensitivity, a barbed bit of defense in a world that’s not always kind.
It’s a form of protection, especially when what needs to be protected is so delicate, like these flowers.
Even the thorniest among us have blooms of beauty, if only our growing conditions are met.
So you can call me prickly (just don’t call me a prick.)
