The White Ghost Orchid

So rare a sovereign reigns above the rest,
such glory, rarely glimpsed by subjects bound.
The White Ghost orchid dons her courtly vest.

Her vanity, a lesser would detest,
she stands with highest brow as one profound.
So rare a sovereign reigns above the rest.

Dominion in the class is her bequest,
without reproach, this orchid bears the crown.
The White Ghost orchid dons her courtly vest.

Elite within her kingdom all attest,
the meager in her phylum shall resound;
so rare a sovereign reigns above the rest.

With solitary reign one could contest,
that trials of recluse monarchy confound.
The White Ghost orchid dons her courtly vest.

Her pallid petals weep in lone protest
but cloaked in flora, tears ne'er touch the ground.
So rare a sovereign reigns above the rest,
the White Ghost orchid dons her courtly vest.

Host:  Mark Toney
Marathon Contest mile 17
9-17-19

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



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Date: 11/3/2022 5:46:00 PM
Dear Mark, your villanelle is a rhythmic rhyming gem! The imagery so regal and the language so lush, the mystique of the white ghost orchid elevated as "she stands with highest brow as one profound." I especially loved "Her pallid petals weep in lone protest / but cloaked in flora, tears ne'er touch the ground. Your poetic artistry is breathtaking. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes, my friend.. Susan
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Date: 10/31/2022 6:38:00 AM
Congratulations on your win Mark! :)
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Date: 10/27/2022 9:40:00 AM
Mark, what splendid imagery you've created in this lovely Villanelle. I do so appreciate your poetic phrases. Congratulations on your creative running in Mile 17
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Date: 10/26/2022 1:07:00 PM
Mark, what an exciting subject for your Villanelle poem. The imagery of "so rare a sovereign" reigning "above the rest" is brilliant. "That trials of recluse monarchy confound" reminds me that besides its unique mystique, the ghost orchid is an endangered species, and faces a multitude of threats from humans. Congratulations on your win on Mile 17 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 18 has already started.
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Date: 10/26/2022 10:17:00 AM
Mark, congratulations on your win. This lovely poem has so many depths to revel in - what a delight. I enjoyed the villanelle form and "royal" imagery. Blessings.
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Date: 7/14/2022 10:28:00 AM
Indeed, I echo Milt's sentiments - beautifully written, Mark.
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Date: 7/10/2022 9:44:00 AM
Mark, as an affecionado of the villanelle, I loved this one. So precise, such fine images, and the rhymes simply exquisite. Very, very nice writing.
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