Ellie Gebarowski-Shafer
The Orchid

A luscious orchid crowns and immaculately constructed
Chocolate mousse dessert,
White-ad-pink petals quietly promising sensuous delight
To watering taste buds.
A fork lifts the delicate flower;
The nostrils inhale its fragrance;
Eyes delight in its absolute perfection.
The mouth opens, encompassing the flower,
Teeth embrace its velvety softness,
Grinding pollen, petals, and pistil to a pulp.
The culmination of the orchid's ravishment
Absence of fulfillment for crestfallen sensory follicles.
It tastes just like wilted lettuce.

Back to Issue 2, 1999