The night-blooming cereus
unfolds her petals on balmy evenings –

satin blossoms appear
from a dry, confining tangle.

Thorny stem, high-climbing,
the Queen of the Night ascends –
splendid scent grows as dusk deepens.

Her perfume rises, delights like a song,
majesty seen by the firmament’s eyes –

beauty and spine most needed
when times are darkest.