Many Donkeys face physical adversity and difficult conditions. But their spirit is strong and courageous. As much as I like to compare them with flowers, I feel they are most like thistles. Yet, their genuine kindness has not made them misanthropic. How rare and lucky humankind is to be in the company of Donkeys.

Austerity With Long Ears

From Spring Daffodils
To the Christmas Rose
You are a pretty Donkey
From your head
To your toes.
But there is one flower
That describes you best
And that is the Thistle,
You bonny lass.
Kindly unassuming spirit!
Yet with a sting
From behind you'll guard
Any vulnerable thing.
Donkeys, like Thistles
Are fluffy and prickly
Pleasant faces of solitude
Nodding amblers of yesteryear
Scratch at the lovers torn soul
And become bound up like a seed
That we cannot remove.
Sharp daisy of slowness
Making us pause in our tracks
Whose tender reason inspires
Plain and simple through years
A supreme mission to protect love,
Donkeys are Thistles with long ears.