Rock Hibiscus

If I were a flower, I'd be found out in the desert hills
in places rarely travelled to.
I'd blend in with the rocks and sand
you would miss me if you walked by
except for the season when I flower
and then I'll dazzle you with pink flowers,
like a Desert Hibiscus.

If you tried to grow me in your garden
my roots would rot and I'd fade away,
but give me dry desert rocky hills
and I'll thrive and share my blossoms
with all who dare to walk these rocky paths.
Call me Paleface or denudatus,
the Hibiscus who grows in the rocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Photo is a Desert Hibiscus (Hibiscus denudatus) growing in the desert near my garden

Reviews

[emmajoy]

There's a place for every plant and every human being .. it just needs care, observation. awareness, patience and just a little self-love .. seems you're content with what and who you are .. and if and when you want to fill the air with scent, you do it, you share ..

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Wonderful... to me this speaks about love and how when we love someone we must still give them room to grow and still grow as an individual ourselves or wind up losing who we are.

[Ruth]

Ah yes, give you the freedom you love and know best :) Poignant!
xx

[Sweets]

They're so beautiful!
I never thought the deserts have such beautiful creatures D:
This poem is very descriptive and full of meaning ! :D
it makes me wanna go out and check the flowers in my backyard :)
Great write!

[Star Wolf]

What a lucky find to come across one of these beautiful desert flowers. This is one awesome poem!

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Desert Dreamer,

The photo seems to move...Is this an optical illusion or is ti doing so..It seems the petals are down and then up...Enjoyed your comparation of what you would want to be..I am glad that I chose this one to read this day..Sunflower

[OT]

wonderful nature poem! your descriptions are so effortless and at ease with the muse - such metaphorical potential here as well - the first stanza - I blend in until I shine - like humans, we blend in, until something draws us out, in bloom!! there's a fragility and innocence here, perhaps only found in nature! nice!

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Love this! So many beautiful things to experience in the Desert...if we just walk slowly and observe. Your poem brought much joy to an Arizona boy. The photo is fantastic! Excellent piece.

[Zoe Jay]

This is a beautiful, delicate poem, full of appreciation and attention to detail. Nice use of first person to personify the plant. I love the image presented, of such beauty flowering in such a wilderness. A lovely illustration of the fragility, and persistence, of nature.

[Tony]

Beautiful.
And quite informative as well.