Neglected, the fleshy buds
of your orchid lost their colour
and the little lemony canopies
turned oyster grey and started
to crisp at the edges.
This morning, flat out and reluctant
on my yoga mat, three bright-pink,
full-lipped blossoms peaked out
from under their dying hoods
showing me all is not lost.
Lovely detail of the orchid, Fiona. It appears to be such a simple poem and yet… the title, the ambiguity of the last line… just lovely. I was a little confused at first about whether it was your protagonist or the flower that was on the yoga mat. I love the picture it paints, someone lying there reluctant and finding hope in a flower.
Ah yes, I see – could be the image of the orchid lying prone on the mat! May have to add in ‘as i lay’ etc – so helpful to have the outside eye on the viewpoint of a poem – thanks Robbie
I like the fact that “you” have neglected the gift but still want it to be a symbol of so much promise (well as the reader I want it to be an optimistic ending) – I think the word is “fickle” but I will have to check.