Once upon an orchid

February 1, 2013

My friend gave me an orchid, 
a Phalaenopsis, or Tammany Rose 
I think it might have been. 

Not that I know from Orchids, 
though a girlfriend bought 
me roses once long ago. 

I kill plants and other living things, 
but somehow this one is strong 
won't submit to my thanoptic thumb. 

It greets me in the morning 
blushes as I walk by and 
winks from the kitchen table. 

It welcomes me home each night 
with a steady health and disposition 
that rivals any of my former lovers. 

I hear that they will shed their flowers 
at some point, sitting naked and quiet 
but left alone, watered by Gaea's tears 
love will bloom again and kiss my eyes 

on some early dawn not too far away.