Prickly and dry

Two words that sum up a cactus perfectly, but sly

Most are shy and introverted

But can be used as face masks when converted

Often depicted as a hindrance

But we would be remorseful without their existence. 

Cactis and succulents all serve a purpose

Bringing joy and content into our lives, we thank them for their service

We care and nurture them with kindness and respect

They show their gratitude by sprouting flowers, now we can repay our lifelong debt

There is more to them than meets the eye

We admire their unique qualities as we strive to try

Their resilient attributes sprouted in the desert

Where they grew and adapted, but nothing comes easy without some effort

They teach us endurance and resilience

An attribute that if we lacked would diminish our performance 

So we owe some of humanity's greatest achievements to cacti

Since without them the shade of our lives would be similar to that of a magpie