Removing Cholla Spines — Images by kenne
Jumping Cholla
When it happens,
You swear it just
Jumped at you.
The trail is clear,
Not a lot of brush
Or cactus nearby,
And it happens –
The attach of the
Jumping cholla.
Cholla spines
Penetrate your hand,
Disbelief succumbing to pain.
Inexperienced hikers
Ponder what to do
Hoping not to make
A bad situation worse.
Experienced hikers
Are ready with a comb.
Prepared hikers.
Like a good scout,
Also have ointment handy.
Cactus spines are
Experience builders –
“Spine me once . . .”
— kenne
Related articles
- Cholla: Most evilest cactus or best bird’s nest ever? (polizeros.com)
- I’m not Mad, I’m Scared (honeydidyouseethat.wordpress.com)
- Explore Arizona: ‘Jumping cholla’ spines are welcome in pack rat nests (azcentral.com)
- Add a visit to ‘Cactus Heaven’ to your bucket list (wenatcheeworld.com)
Filed under: Education, Information, Photography, Poetry Tagged: Cactus spines, Cholla, Cholla Cactus, Cholla Spines, D800, Hiking, Jumping Cholla, La Milagrosa Canyon, La Milagrosa Ridge Trail, SCVN Friday Hikes
