Orchid

Borne from sultry jungled isles

Of some far archipelago,

Imprisoned in glass here.

Transplanted, you yet flourish, show

Your charms, beckon stray eyes near

With your exotic wiles.

Subtle temptress, spreading wide

Vast, velvet petals, blushing mauve,

Around a curved, pursed lip

That kisses, breathes a fragrant trove

Of sweet musk – the slightest sip

Of the delight inside.

Yet, incarnate sensuousness,

You deign not, dare not dance with fools,

But rise tall, proud and chaste.

A showpiece, peer of royal jewels

To glimpse awestruck, not to taste –

Not to defile, but bless.

Adam Sedia (b. 1984) lives in his native Indiana, where he practices as a civil and appellate litigation attorney. His poems have appeared in print and online publications, and he has published two volumes of poetry: The Spring's Autumn (2013) and Inquietude (2016). He also composes music, which may be heard on his YouTube channel. He lives with his wife, Ivana, and their two children.