I’m going to collect you.

I’m going to keep you

on my shelf

and look at you

but never touch you

because it will hurt.

I’ll water you (sometimes)

but you’ll survive because

you don’t need me.

You’re odd

but so am I.

You’re supposed to flower

bloom in fact

but you haven’t.

I have taken you away

from your home

and put you on my shelf.

You’re temporary and fragile

but strong and tough.

You push me away

but pull me in

I want to know more

but then I don’t.

because you’re a cactus

on my shelf.