I am not a mighty oak,
the tree of gods and kings,
whose legendary exploits
the ancient minstrel sings.
I'm but a purple thistle,
much closer to the ground,
where gods like Zeus and Janus
are seldom to be found.
Though do not be mistaken,
this means I might be weak,
for those who'd trample on me
will find more than they seek.
Do not be fooled in thinking
all strength is found in size,
lest some day you fall victim
to thistle's sneak surprise.
I'm but a thorny thistle,
much smaller than the oak,
but do beware the danger
beneath my purple cloak.
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Contest Winner
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Author Notes
This contest requires we write either a story or poem that includes three words from a prescribed list - I chose four of the words: thistle, oak, purple and cloak.
The oak tree has been worshiped by the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Druids, Norsemen, and just about every other culture and is associated with a list of gods, including Zeus and Janus. The thistle is not without its own mythic fame. It is the national emblem of Scotland because in the Middle Ages, when the Norse were mounting a surprise attack on Scotland, legend has it that a barefoot Norse soldier stepped on a thorny thistle, screamed in pain, and thus alerted the Scots to the attempted invasion and allowed them to fight off their would-be conquerors.
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