Here is my comment from the judging:

" This poem exceeded my expectations. Going into judging these poems I told myself no one is going to throw in that scientific name so perfectly, and here, with Thistle, the writer did. This was beautiful, it told a strong tale and just had me reading it over and over again. By far my favorite poem I've seen so far. Beautifully done."

This was amazing, Sib. I should've known it was you, only you could pull this off so cleverly.. if that is a word, doesn't sound right. Beautifully written.

This was so vivid. It painted a perfect picture. I'm not sure exactly what to say other than I loved it and it will be added to my favorites

Connie

I was dying to find out who wrote this one. Some members thought it was me because of the subject (the thistle is the national flower of Scotland) and that added a little suspense to Nevi's contest haha!!!

It's a little gem of a poem, beautifully written as usual. Too careful to be loved? Well eight adult members of my family (including me) have a tattoo on various parts of our bodies so, I guess it fair to say....we all love them.

Well done....really enjoyed this one.

//too careful, far too careful
to be loved
by anything at all.
//
I must have read this atleast thrice... i loved these so much ... images so beautifully painted by your words :)

Brilliant.
Thistles, like starlings and cockroaches and rats, are survivors. They have real beauty and the goldfinches live them too. They give me something to do in my fields which can't be all bad.
Loved this poem.

Sibs has mad skills,
and she had my heart in her hands
when I reached this ;

"Little thistle, wild and wary:
too sharp to ever be plucked,
too cutting to be crushed
by a wavering heel,
too careful, far too careful
to be loved
by anything at all. "

the repetition at the ending only added even more emotion to an already heartfelt write..
Its like you want to pluck the little thistle up and just love it..even though it is too careful to be loved.

I don't think this poem is just about a simple thistle though, I believe there is so much depth to it,
If I was to say what I understood, from my point of view.
this write can go out to anyone who ever felt like they
were too troublesome to be loved, too undeserving,
it even had me thinking about the quote

"love me when I deserve it the least,because its then
when I need it the most" but that's just my humble opinion. Such vulnerability and tenderness in one little poem...

Way to go sibs!

Another brilliant nature poem, craftily written, on nature's beauty (thistle flower) that comes with its thorns (protectors). The flower, a delight to look at, is unlovable (unlikable), and is best left alone in its natural environment (weeds). The thistle flower though lovely, come with its 'thorns", for which the poetess has done an admirable job of depicting its beauty and the blight that will even make the Scottish envious. Deserving nomination and possible win, for a talented write.

(Judging comment 12-11-11)

<3