Notes About The Poem

May 5, 2024

~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: No 1309
Sponsor: Brian Strand

*cosmo: informal name for the cosmopolitan cocktail


 

Premiere Contest WinnerOrchid Woman

Oh you know the type—
the orchid woman

a cosmopolitan who cosmo sips
between snips of gist
her charisma a starship —collides
with your star-full eyes
supernova for Casanova
her pouty lips knit a glamour-mag smile 
rows of sugar-white pearls
strung shiny straight
behind wet-red slicks of a Revlon stick
—cherry-juice bait dilates your want to taste

orchid woman’s glamorized mouth
for the masses to idolize
for many to fantasize
for her to tantalize
and advertise 
there’s no need to compromise
with you 
or your penny-candy conversation—
when beauty is legal tender
why invest in a waste of words?

ooh, orchid woman is  w-i-l-d
an exotic sun-tanned narcotic
erotic her despotic bloom 
quixotic your contemplation;
your entangled-limbs-expectation 
that this frilly filly blooms just for you
and oh!  just look how the honey makers buzz
watch the money-makers spend their sums—
worker bees blinded by her blonde neon 
fall in her wake…
or maybe ‘diamond pro’s’ bling 
stings and wrings their eyes
…who cares who falls..
when mere red rose adorations 
and sticky sap Hallmark incantations
bear not the fruits of 24-karat donations— 

Mmm! Mmm! 
her traipse does shake like mango jelly sweet
orchid woman’s long-stemmed catwalk walk
full-rounded  bouncy-buoyant  racy-lacy-ecstasy 
yup.. a thoroughbred— she’ll have you ridin’ high
to your credit and blame
you won’t feel her stiletto tips 
when she diva-gold-digs ya
as nothing more than a runway-ramp
all slinky-strut-hips  
and stay-the-night-vamp
till fly girl wields her strappy high-heels 
in a rhythmical click-clack 
all over the next middle-age stage

indeed! orchid woman
a hot-house hottie
fussy stuffy lil hussy— 
...too much water?
….not enough water?!
oh no! she’s wilted—
sniffle.. snivel.. “where did I go wrong?!!”

mm-hmm.. high maintenance is  s-u-c-h  a turn on…
yeah… orchid woman is  w-i-l-d  (eye roll..)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Dutta Avatar
July 2, 2024 at 8:49 PM
Very nicely written I feel charmed on both your theme and composition . I feel envious to those who writes long poems. It is absolutely beyond my capacity with limited vocabulary in English. Love.
Ashley Avatar
July 3, 2024 at 6:12 PM
Dear Anisha, thank you for your lovely visit and kind comments. Both are truly appreciated. I admire you, Anisha, and your ability to write lovely poetry in English, knowing it's not your native tongue. I wouldn't be able to write poetry in a second language. You have my applause! Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Baker Avatar
May 27, 2024 at 4:32 PM
We can only be truly loved for who we truly are. Our authentic self is the path to true love. If they don't love us for who we truly are, it's not truly love. I love the entertaining and enjoyable poem. A poet friend in Texas, Bill End of comment below. :-) Bill
Ashley Avatar
May 28, 2024 at 12:49 PM
Dear Bill, indeed, your wonderful and insightful comments ring true. Your wisdom shines as brightly as your poetic pen. It's so nice to see you, your delightful presence and inspiring poetry has been missed by myself and many here. I often run into times when I cannot be here as often as I'd like too, due to life's demand and necessary down-time.. which I find I need more of as I get older haha! Thank you, my poet friend in Texas, for your gracious visit and thoughtful comments. They are held in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes.. your poet friend in Mass.. ~Susan
Baker Avatar
May 27, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Congratulations on the Premiere Contest win, Susan! A delicious poem and excellent metaphors and imagery. Definitely a woman of the world with all the temptations and seductive mannerisms to trap her prey. As I've aged, I've come to realize the irony in people that will do anything to be loved. In the end, they are loved or abandoned because they have lied to themselves and their love object by refusing to be themselves.
Hamilton Avatar
May 26, 2024 at 11:26 PM
very good Susan congrts on win hugs Shadow
Ashley Avatar
May 28, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Dear Shadow, thank you for your gracious visit and kind congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
George Avatar
May 26, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Loved the descriptions and the rhymes Dear Susan. A perfect way to end it haha. "high maintenance is s-u-c-h a turn on" Indeed it is. Congratulations on your win.
Ashley Avatar
May 28, 2024 at 12:43 PM
Dear Tonye, Thank you for your gracious visit and inspiring comments. Your kind congrats are appreciated as well. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. I think your poetry is ravishing. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Lamoureux Avatar
May 24, 2024 at 6:40 AM
What a wondrous write. Certainly deserving of top billing. A big congratulations on a fine win.
Ashley Avatar
May 24, 2024 at 12:33 PM
Dear Richard, thank you for your gracious return visit with heartwarming congrats. Your kindness and comments are truly appreciated, my friend.. ~Susan
Kauffman Avatar
May 21, 2024 at 12:14 PM
My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, congratulations for your win with this amazingly creative and highly descriptive poem of the exotic "orchid" women, cosmopolitans sipping of cosmos strutting the runways of life only to wilt as the water of life drains from their blossoms because their roots are shallow! Once again, you have taken a theme and crafted it to your amazing poetic artistry. I salute you once again for your inspiration, sweet poetry sis. Blessings of beauty to you!
Ashley Avatar
May 24, 2024 at 12:29 PM
My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I'm touched to receive your heartwarming congrats and elated to receive such amazing comments. Your response to my poem is so gratifying! Your golden comments are like gems that shine especially bright upon my page. Thank you for exploring the realm of poetry and imagination with me. Your friendship is cherished and your stellar poetry is ever beautiful and appreciated. Warmest wishes sent on the buzz of honey bees.. ~Susan
Drowley Avatar
May 18, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Congratulations on this beautifully written poem! Orchids are too demanding. I prefer mountain daisies.
Ashley Avatar
May 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Dear David, I relish your thoughtful comments and kind congrats. Indeed, mountain daisies are easy, breezy and happy! Thank you for your gracious visit, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Anaya Avatar
May 15, 2024 at 10:12 AM
Susan, you've excited this reader. My sister collected Cosmopolitan Magazine, when I glanced at Gia Carangi on the cover. Stunning model I would follow, I loved her angelic smile little (hussy)! aha A movie made of her, starring Anjolina Jolie! The imagery you portray of a beautiful wild orchid woman is exquisite; indeed the image is angelic, but what goes on behind the scenes is erotic, dangerous yet such beauty trumps and…who cares who falls.. ahooo Congratulations on your gorgeous trophy win Susan! I brought Pink Vampagne let’s clink to that ;)
Ashley Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 5:56 PM
Dearest Anaya, your fantastic comments have delighted and brightened this poetess! Indeed, I remember Gia Carangi and her tragic demise. I've seen the movie depicting her life with Angelina Jolie too. I'm so glad you enjoyed the spirit of this poem. Thank you for sharing your treasured thoughts and celebratory congrats with me, I'm elated dear poetess! Now let's pop the cork of the pink bubbly (how nice of you to bring it! lol), raise the glass and clink to friendship and poetry :) Warmest wishes my sweet friend.. ~Susan
Poet Avatar
May 15, 2024 at 6:44 AM
Dear Susan, your poem beautifully portrays the "orchid woman" as a polished and too preoccupied woman. The focal point revolves around the intricate nature of this woman's persona—her allure, her superficial attributes, and her appeal. The inclusion of vivid imagery such as "rows of sugar-white pearls," "cherry-juice bait," and "diamond pro's bling" effectively creates a distinct and vivid mental depiction of the orchid woman. The addition of lavish and evocative language creates an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance. The integration of alliteration ("cosmo sips," "rows of sugar-white pearls"), simile ("her traipse does shake like mango jelly sweet"), and metaphor ("her charisma a starship") enhances the depiction of the orchid woman and intensifies the effect of the visuals. Congratulations on your well-deserved trophy win.
Ashley Avatar
May 16, 2024 at 5:44 PM
Dear Sotto, it's a delight to receive your detailed comments. Indeed, you summarize my poem so well.. society/humanity and individuals would be well served to reconsider and recognize the value of substance over "superficial attributes". I relish knowing what aspects of my poem truly appeals to you. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your esteemed thoughts and your stellar poetry are both held in my deepest appreciation. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
Dietrich Avatar
May 8, 2024 at 1:15 PM
wow, this is amazing metaphor extended all the way to the interesting ending. Love this.
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2024 at 6:15 PM
Thank you, dear Andrea. Both your visit and uplifting comments are appreciated. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Faulkner Avatar
May 6, 2024 at 5:14 PM
This is just delicious, Susan, everything wicked and juicy of the forbidden fruit, then the inevitable fall, just love 'supernova for Casanova' and 'penny candy coversation' - sweet and hard at once, another winner for you!
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2024 at 6:17 PM
Dear Michelle, it's so nice to see you! Your poetic presence has been missed. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem and the specific phrases you mentioned. Thank you for your precious comments and kindness, my wonderful friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Lamoureux Avatar
May 6, 2024 at 7:08 AM
This was so much fun to read. It’s filled with imagery and intrigue. Bravo!
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2024 at 6:18 PM
Dear Richard, thank you for your gracious visit and wonderful comments. Your esteemed presence here is appreciated. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Rodgers Avatar
May 6, 2024 at 5:57 AM
Dear Susan, I loved the essence of the cosmopolitan woman with such wonderful imagery and sharp wit, along with the orchid woman, which seems to be a symbol of allure and complexity. Susan, your playful language and clever observations reveal the dichotomy between surface glamour and inner depth, showing the nature of attraction and desire. A very captivating exploration of femininity and perception. - Blessings, Daniel
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2024 at 6:29 PM
Dear Daniel, the depth and breadth of your comments are received with my truest appreciation. You see into the heart of my poem with deep poetic perception, a blend of insight and intellect. It is both elating and touching. I relish your thoughtful remarks as much as I revel in your amazing poetry. Thank you for your gracious visit and for your kindness. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
Buhagiar Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 9:30 PM
Orchids! I had two of them and both died. To water or not to water! Always a dilemma. And to meet an orchid woman would present the same erotic dilemma. Fall for her or not. Her beauty is impeccable, her mien out of this world. How well you describe her in metaphoric terms. Such imagery is from a difficult but favorite plant. Is she unattainable? Great imagery. Great poetry.
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2024 at 5:58 PM
Dear Victor, your poet's soul reads into my poem with clarity. Thank you for your insightful comments, they are truly appreciated my friend. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem.. and I'm sorry to hear about your actual orchids that died. Indeed, they are fussy! Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
Wolf Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 8:22 PM
hmm. I guess I'm not familiar with the tantalizing, temptress-type you've portrayed, Susan... Though I have taken an intensive inter(active) course with Raggedy Anne and Second-hand Rose, as well as exchanged meaningful platonic eyeball rolls-in the-hay with Calamity Jane and Annie-get-your-gun-and-salute! lol. ~ Call Me Ish-Male (Ish in Hebrew = Man. How about that?!)
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2024 at 5:55 PM
Haha! Dear Gershon, could you get any sillier? Thank you for your witty comments and for your reply to your own comments lol! Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
Wolf Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 8:24 PM
Literary references always get me my woman, you know. (And who else do you know who replies to his own comments?) Mr. Modest Lee Endowed
Poet Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 4:07 PM
Dear Susan, your poem perfectly portrays the essence of the "Orchid Woman," a woman who is both stunning and meticulous in her appearance. And explores beauty's captivating nature and apathy, along with the vilification and unjust norms imposed on women. You skillfully employ vivid and enticing descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the orchid woman. Phrases such as "cosmo sips," "rows of sugar-white pearls," and "cherry-juice bait" are used to enhance the description. The way you choose your words evokes a feeling of opulence and sparkle, but it also implies a lack of depth and shallowness. The poetry is enhanced by the use of alliteration ("pouty lips," "sticky sap," "rhythmical click-clack") and simile ("traipse does shake like mango jelly sweet").
Ashley Avatar
May 8, 2024 at 12:53 PM
Dear Sotto, it's a delight to receive your detailed comments. I relish knowing what aspects of my poem truly appeals to you. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your esteemed thoughts are held in my deepest appreciation. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
One Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 12:34 PM
My dear friend Susan, This poem paints a vivid portrait of the "orchid woman," a figure who embodies glamour, allure, and complexity. The imagery is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of this cosmopolitan, cosmopolitan-sipping persona. It offers a thought-provoking commentary on beauty, desire, and the illusions we construct around those who embody societal ideals. It challenges notions of authenticity and urges readers to reconsider the value of substance over surface allure.
Ashley Avatar
May 8, 2024 at 11:57 AM
Dear Silent One, indeed, you summarize my poem so well.. society/humanity would be well served to reconsider and recognize the "value of substance over surface allure". Thank you for sharing your esteemed thought with me. Your soulful presence and amazing poetry are ever appreciated. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan
Rodrigues Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 12:28 PM
A wild woman you have caught in a poetic jar and eyed her from all sides! Fantastic imagery, great rhythm, alliteration, and metaphors. A fave ~ Kim
Ashley Avatar
May 8, 2024 at 11:06 AM
Dear Kim, I relish and revel in your expressive comments. Thank you for sharing your esteemed poetic thoughts with me and for the honor of your Fave. Both are treasured. I adore your new pic! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Puddifoot Avatar
May 5, 2024 at 12:27 PM
i savoured every line of this, the wordplay, inventive word combos, internal rhyme, reminds me a bit of a poet called abigail parry..i'd be proud to write something like this, you should submit it to a professional comp or journal cos it's easily good enough
Ashley Avatar
May 8, 2024 at 11:04 AM
Dear Charlotte, as an admirer of your mighty and magnificent pen, I am elated to receive your stunning remarks. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. I am honored and humbled by your words and by your mention of Abigail Parry. I looked her up and I adore her animated, expressive poetry recitations and will continue to explore her masterworks. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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