The following extract from Cecil Day-Lewis’ poem “The Christmas Rose” emotes well with this, my Thanksgiving cactus (schlumbergera truncata). It is more than 12 years old and so I have a great affection for it. However it barely bloomed at its expected Fall time but now the plant has decorated itself in bud and bloom like a Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgesii).
What is the flower that blooms each year
In flowerless days,
Making a little blaze
On the bleak earth, giving my heart some cheer?
Look! its white star, low on earth,
Rays a vision of rebirth.
Who is the child that’s born each year —
His bedding, straw:
His grace, enough to thaw
My wintering life, and melt a world’s despair?
Hushed your earth, full-starred your sky
For a new nativity:
Be born in us, relieve our plight,
Christmas child, you rose of light!
And I am indeed thankful for these beautiful blooms, for all the many gifts I have in my life and for the joy that Christmas brings to me and my family and friends.
PoetryPix 