He Likens Marieta to a Cactus

The cactus is a joyless plant 

which to dry slopes inclines,
and those who would engage with it 

are sure to feel its spines.

But once in every year or two,

the cactus brings forth fruits:
and then its golden succulence 

its grimmer self confutes.

Before the "chumba" pine swells up,

the cactus flames in flower,
and I would brave its fiercest staves, 

to see it in that hour!