My grandmother would phone the night
it finally bloomed.  An ungainly
plant, sparse, with long tendrils, all light
green. Four brothers climb happily
into the car all wearing their
pajamas, excited to see
even an ugly plant.  We stare
at the white and gold bloom, and she
smiles, having hope even for me.

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, Feb. 16, 2014

Click HERE for more information and photos of the Night Blooming Cereus. The bloom only lasts one night.