Because there are nine varieties of thistles in Florida, 
          and nine times as many types of women.
Because they are toxic to livestock, and poisonous to men,
          and they embody pain. Truly every woman has wept over flowers.
Because they’re related to artichokes, and people find them a questionable vegetable at best.
Remember they symbolize pride, and only sanctioned symbols are allowed on state property.
Because God cursed the ground to grow thistles and thorns, 
          and they are sown by the enemy.
They signify aggressiveness, 
          and every woman in a position of power has been accused of that.
Whacking them down throws seeds up, and you propagate next year’s infestation.
They treat the plague, and that’s been eliminated,
          but you can’t just mow us down, you have to yank us up from the root.

Part of our Fall/Winter 2024 Issue. New stories, poems, and essays now through December 2024.

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