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Notes About The Poem

Jasmine = Fun Fact: The term Jazz comes from musicians frequenting brothels in New Orleans, the favorite perfume of their New Orleans prostitutes was Jasmine! A musician may decide to get “jazzed”, meaning paying a visit to a prostitute. The slang word was Jazz.

The jasmine scented women in seductive frills so lacey, pianos pounding ragtime loud and racy ~ Razzed, men were jazzed! A popular precursor to Jazz —I Am Anaya

Winter Jasmine image

'Jasmine' Poetry Contest

Sponsored by Ink Empress

Third Place

Winter Jasmine



Sweetness is a Jasmine January                    
Seeds its scent along the inkberry   
Starflowers streaming a fecund path
I bask in a heavenly perfumed bath
Winter bouquets an Elysian Field sanctuary

Jasmine scents ladies of the night 
Jazzman ticklin’ ivory ‘neath a sultry light
With a surging merge all kept warm
During the raunchy ruckus and snowstorm
New Orleans brothels wintery delights

januaryrhyme

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Andrea Dietrich

February 5, 2025 at 1:20 PM

deliciously jazzy!! Love this.

I Am Anaya

February 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM

Aha, Glad you enjoyed it, Andrea!

Robert Gorelick

February 5, 2025 at 11:58 AM

Scintillating sultry vicarious hiatus to the Big Easy! Grabbing my bourbon and trumpet, see ya there, Robert

I Am Anaya

February 5, 2025 at 5:24 PM

Let's go! Ty, Robbie

Tonye George

February 5, 2025 at 9:46 AM

Lovely alliterations dear Anaya. Beautifully done. "Jasmine scents ladies of the night Jazzman ticklin’ ivory ‘neath a sultry light." Congratulations on your win.

I Am Anaya

February 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM

Tysm, glad you liked my poem!

Paula Goldsmith

February 4, 2025 at 8:47 AM

Congratulations on your win. What a wonderful write with a great picture. Thanks for the note. Have a blessed day with your win as you write away..................

I Am Anaya

February 4, 2025 at 1:16 PM

Your so welcome, Paula. TY! I had a second stanza prepared but was waiting till the end of the contest to post....it has to do with the note! ;)

Ink Empress

February 4, 2025 at 8:32 AM

Dear Anaya, this is so beautiful and i didnt want it to end and i also love the picture youv used here as the quote and the information youv stated there is quite insightful and fun! I especially love in your poem the line “ Winter bouquets an Elysian Field sanctuary” so ethereal and so well woven! congratulations on your win. Thank you for supporting my contest

I Am Anaya

February 4, 2025 at 12:58 PM

It means a lot to me, what you think about my poetry, for you are real and a true poetess. Tysm for the placement, I enjoyed your contest and your sponsorship is greatly appreciated! :) I really wanted to add the sequel sooner, but thought you would think of it as going off track. ;)

Duke Beaufort

January 31, 2025 at 6:16 PM

Anaya, thanks for the etymology of Jazz. It will change how I think for some time. The poem presents an amazing tribute to the beautiful properties of the plant, and you do it sparingly well. Smiles!!

I Am Anaya

February 1, 2025 at 9:58 AM

It is just one version of how it was coined Jazz, from a book! I won't mention wiki's version! Thank you!

John Loving Iii

January 31, 2025 at 9:04 AM

Funny you mention the Greek heaven in your piece. Made me think of the Ghost orchid that only grows in Florida but who's seed never touches the ground.

I Am Anaya

January 31, 2025 at 10:01 AM

It's so beautiful, The Dove Orchid, Holy Ghost. Googled. I infuse mythology, technology, theology etc in my poems , think it opens up with a sense of wonder, John. Ty for commenting.

David Kavanagh

January 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Ahem! this one is quite redolent and provocative Anaya, and not a hoe in sight to tidy up that fecund path, I was waiting for scented candles and Moet & Chandon, quite a romantic piece you’ve penned here, cheers David

I Am Anaya

January 30, 2025 at 2:28 PM

Lol, David it started out as winter jasmine and evolved into history of how the term "Jazz" came along. Not sure if I should leave that part off as it does not meet the requirements of the assignment, although I'm ready to post the rest of it. CHEERS, keep warm!

Yann Rolland

January 30, 2025 at 2:22 AM

so delicious and charming poetry, enjoyed images and sounds, thanks poet

I Am Anaya

January 30, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Bonjour Yann! Comment allez-vous? *TYSM*

Daniel Henry Rodgers

January 29, 2025 at 5:16 AM

Dear Anaya, I first must say I loved your factoid. Now for the poem, I thought how your words are like a fragrant breeze, delicate yet powerful, creating such a serene picture with every line. There’s a rare beauty in how you capture nature’s quiet sanctuary. Beautiful! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya

January 29, 2025 at 8:25 AM

Daniel, your lovely comment is warm, on this chilly morning. Funny I tried to stay away from the word breeze as in "Summer breeze" makes me feel fine... A 'fact' from a book, "The History of Jazz" there are many versions of how Jazz got its name, I like this one. It's all razzmatazz in jazz! There is a second part to the poem, I'd like to post the rest, today. Thank you, friend!

Maria Williams

January 28, 2025 at 7:47 PM

HI Anaya, I havent been on Soup for a while. How are you? Your poem is beautifully evocative, weaving scent and season into a dreamlike tapestry. The imagery of jasmine in January and starflowers streaming a path feels both delicate and rich. I posted something yesterday,which I'd love you to see, if you like of course...Hugs

I Am Anaya

January 29, 2025 at 8:34 AM

I find it difficult to stay away although I'm not a diehard poet as you are Maria, your lovely lyrics, rhymes, poetry is always a pleasure to read, of course! Thank you