Premiere Contest WinnerUntouched Orchard

She's untouched fruit
from forbidden orchards
barren and wrinkled
with fragmented twigs,
whirling to the beat
of melancholic musings 
of black-winged butterflies 
that croon and reflect
the true tragedy of a queen
waiting for the 
return of her king.

Beneath splitting dusks,
above wicked woodlands 
of weathered grim dreams,
personified pomegranate seeds
drip in sangria sins 
that feed her fears and lies
from familiar chalices,
but below the streams of
poetic gardens,
raspberry rivers taste
sweeter than honeydew melons. 

Cosmos decipher
her destiny designed
for a silhouette emblazoned 
in tarnished trinkets, 
But there's nothing left
In her shining throne 
that reflects in sorrow
like a tombstone
adorned with tilted 
tulips and wilted roses 
in a ruined wilderness.
All that remains is 
a crown that lays
amongst ebony
and bones covered in
cobwebs coated in 
memories and hurt.
Her tears swiftly freeze
into frost glazed lakes
holding the last breeze
of mourning dunes
searching for a valley
with his finest tune,
but empty chambers below
her feet echo with ghosts
of his rhymes,
as pantoums tangle in the
paralyzed streaks of 
her golden hair.
She sits in silence listening to the wind
carrying wicked witches
and mythological stones,
Hearing the tale
of beloved cities separated 
by unforgiving constellations.

If eternity can be illustrated
with calligraphic scriptures,
this poetic saga will reveal
immortal affections
through metaphors that 
stretch beyond medieval
manuscripts of an 
infinite infatuation.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rodgers Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Dear Empress, I wanted to go back to enjoy one of your earlier poems on PS where you’ve built an entire kingdom of pain and splendor, such a mythic realm where every image is carved from dusk and devotion. The queen you’ve conjured is unforgettable, regal, wounded, waiting, yet still crowned in the fierce beauty of her own resilience. Lines like those frost-glazed lakes, the cobwebbed crown, the raspberry rivers they hit with that unmistakable Empress signature: lush, cinematic, and emotionally exact. This is the kind of poem that feels older than its ink, like a legend rediscovered. An older FAV! Blessings, Daniel
Empress Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Awwn this is such a kind gesture dear Daniel. It is one of my very personal poems amongst many others that are quite personal. I love your interpretation and also I thank you for the fave and time you spent on reading and commenting! Sending you light always
Bordner Avatar
June 8, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Continued...Your vivid feelings of love ache are beautifully expressed through very dynamic imagery in this winning Poem Poetess...you reveal a regal spirit of love devotion and skillfully written wisdom...J.A.B.
Empress Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Awwn you are so thoughtful and loyal to my poetry, and it warms my heart and soul my dear Justin. I admire your poetry and appreciate your support, sincerely ~ always
Bordner Avatar
June 8, 2026 at 10:15 AM
A King born to be crowned with the handsof a hearthaloed by a geniusflame,Queen love burning for him, she is the only ache of desire that he's ever known,he has searched,he has waited,he has longed for her spirit kiss a lifetime, to be soul ignited with her,his Queen, he tells her that she is the only one in the world he has ever pined for andpursued,theonly Woman that hehas evermissed and been inspired maddening for,what's more,that sometimeshe ismissing her most as she is closest to him J.A.B.
Empress Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 10:22 AM
That’s such passionate love, and I absolutely love your response to my poem, awwn! We all need a king like who you’ve described here in the comments, focused on the queen, and solely her! That’s sweet and such a beautiful thing to think about too! True love and desire. Grateful for your warm presence, sending you light always.
Liguori Avatar
January 7, 2025 at 3:34 PM
‘ raspberry rivers taste sweeter than honeydew melons’… wow !!! My blood sugar is rising just to the reading of such wonderful words. This poem was such a delight. I can’t wait to see what you will write next!
Empress Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 10:23 AM
Oh gosh! Lolol I didnt know raspberries and honeydew melons could spike sugar level so intensely! Thank you dear Robert! I appreciate your comment, apologies for late response sometimes I get too lost elsewhere
Dietrich Avatar
April 25, 2024 at 8:59 AM
It's incredible how you personified this orchard. I even saw her as an entire valley. The sad queen of all she oversees. Congrats on this, your very first win that turned out to be huge!!
Dietrich Avatar
April 25, 2024 at 8:56 AM
So here is your very first trophy win, and from then until now, I count FIFTEEN trophies. Wow, Ink, I am lucky to even get three on one page of poetry. You have only three pages so far at poetrysoup. Let me read this first post of yours now.
Thomas Avatar
November 28, 2023 at 8:57 AM
Congratulations on winning! Your piece is an evocative journey through vivid imagery and metaphor. Your symbolism, contrasting elements and consistent internal rhyming schemes create a harmonious and haunting melody in your exploration on the themes of loss and eternal love. Your piece is a testament to the enduring power of art. Well-deserved victory! Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Empress Avatar
November 28, 2023 at 9:27 AM
Dear Jaymee, wow what a beautiful comment and what an honor to be placed as your first place winner. Im truly grateful for this recognition, the opening line of this poem was inspired by a personal prompt given by the silent one. So i just wanted to shout that out as i respond to you with nothing but gratitude. Thank you so very much. Appreciate your sincere thoughts and i hope to read more of your work too. Sending you light always
George Avatar
October 6, 2023 at 2:19 AM
I thought of reading your first poem and got dizzy by the sweep of emotions expressed through an array of powerful metaphors that peek from every stanza. I visualize before me a queen waithing for the return of her king. There is the thrill of anticipation though "there's nothing left In her shining throne that reflects in sorrow like a tombstone adorned with tilted tulips and wilted roses in a ruined wilderness."and "her tears swiftly freeze into frost glazed lakes, holding the last breeze of mourning dunes"! An amazing creation of theatrical footage!
Scott Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 3:04 AM
Bam.. the sound of my mind exploding! That last stanza is dynamite, so incredibly rich and gorgeous this is poetry in 4D IMAX Technicolor.. love it.. "..this poetic saga will reveal immortal affections through metaphors.." All the feels.
Anaya Avatar
September 4, 2023 at 7:40 PM
A Queen without her King devastating, she is graced and overcomes the cruel visions bestowed upon her. Her love sees her through. May the cosmos be not cold ones, a last goodbye. A beautiful tale, I.E.! I saw this today on Home Page!! <3 I Am Anaya ;D
Empress Avatar
September 4, 2023 at 9:50 PM
Oh that’s exciting, and thank you so much for reading and leaving your beautiful thoughts. I appreciate you
Labyrinth Avatar
August 22, 2023 at 3:57 PM
sounds like my kinda gal...you got cheer on women like that, she sounds like a warrior. Visions of ...Tennyson, dare I even suggest it. This one, I have read of yours, is the best.
Empress Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 7:30 AM
Wow thank you for this beautiful comment truly i am in awe. And touched youve made me so very happpy thank you
Labyrinth Avatar
August 22, 2023 at 3:57 PM
"But in her web she still delights To weave the mirror's magic sights, For often thro' the silent nights A funeral, with plumes and lights And music, came from Camelot: Or when the moon was overhead Came two young lovers lately wed; 'I am half sick of shadows,' said The Lady of Shalott. And sometimes thro' the mirror blue The knights come riding two and two: She hath no loyal knight and true, The Lady of Shalott."
Ashley Avatar
August 20, 2023 at 2:31 PM
Dear Ink Empress, your poem of tragedy and loss is composed with a rich tapestry of dramatic imagery and emotive metaphors. A poetically expressive and beautifully impressive creation. Welcome to poetry soup! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Empress Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 7:33 AM
Thank you so much truly for your warm wishes i am grateful to be here with talented poets like you.
Callus Avatar
August 20, 2023 at 6:18 AM
This is a beautiful and expressive poem teeming with imagery, emotions and use of metaphor. I am in no doubt that you are a veteran writer with much talent. Welcome to Soup, albeit somewhat late; you bring along a breath of fresh air. ~ Regards // paul (this poem is a fav for me)
Empress Avatar
August 20, 2023 at 7:55 AM
Thank you so very much for your very profound feedback truly grateful
Agustin Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 9:34 AM
Thanks for sharing this, and for sharing your talent while exposing your thoughts through your magnificent poetic style. Welcome to Poetry Soup. I welcome you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
Empress Avatar
August 26, 2023 at 7:32 AM
Thank you kind soul for your visit and kindness. I appreciate your feedback and support so very much
Hamilton Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 9:06 AM
A wonderful write, so many great phrases "her tears swiftly freeze into frost glazed lakes" I mean...gobsmacked I am. Welcome to the soup, I look forward to reading more of you.
Empress Avatar
August 20, 2023 at 7:56 AM
Thank you so very much i look forward to reading more of your work too
Lindley Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 7:44 AM
Exceptionally fine poetry. Definitely top class poetry. A fav for me, God bless you, my friend.
Toney Avatar
August 16, 2023 at 12:18 PM
The tragic twists and turns of love, loss, and the passage of time. “ All that remains is a crown that lays amongst ebony and bones covered in cobwebs coated in memories and hurt.” Ink Empress, we welcome you and your amazing poetry to Poetry Soup!
Empress Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 1:31 AM
Thank you for feeling my words
Edmonds  Avatar
August 16, 2023 at 9:24 AM
Wow! Sensational poetry, welcome to PoetrySoup ink Express… Belle
Empress Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 1:31 AM
Truly grateful thank you so much
One Avatar
August 16, 2023 at 2:19 AM
Finally you have joined the soup.. Your poetry as always is always so deep and you use of vocabulary amazing. I am sure you poetry will be appreciated here, as you deserve that with your magnificent quill... The last stanza is just brilliant.. If eternity can be illustrated, an amazing line... love this one.
Empress Avatar
August 17, 2023 at 1:31 AM
Awwn yes its a bit late i think should have joined earlier , so many brilliant poets here and wherever you are i must be there to cheer. Thank you for your kindness always
Andresen Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 10:58 AM
- A wonderful metaphorical poem, Ink Empress - Welcome to Poetry Soup :) -
Lamoureux Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 6:45 AM
Thanks as well for your visit.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 6:44 AM
It brought to mind the song Delta Dawn. A wonderful first offering to the soup. Welcome, I hope you enjoy your time here.
Empress Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 9:37 AM
Wow i must listen to the song thank you so much for your feedback
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace