The Queenly Phalaenopsis

An orchid on the river Styx,
Grew wild in fertile mud,
Putting forth a bright array,
Of white and purple buds,

Multiplying on the banks,
Like seaweed in the water,
The bright profusion spread,
To Macaria, Hades daughter,

Quaint as shells, or fine bluebells,
The little flower caught her eye,
As she was walking through the gloom,
Escorted by a dragonfly,

She bent to pick the dainty petals,
Drooping from the stem,
And then some more, until she had,
A flowery diadem,

I say, this wreath upon my hair,
Is comely and so bright,
A jewelled array, more fresh than day,
To light up Hades’ night,

Henceforth, I hope to model,
Every precious, budding shoot,
Emerging from the mucky ground,
Beneath my leather boot,

“Phalaenopsis Peacock Queen”
Aye, that will be my epithet,
And I’ll be known, from sea to sea,
For this fluorescent coronet,

Moth orchids, pure as diamonds,
From these smelly river banks,
Will elicit gleeful shouts of praise,
And earnest spoken thanks,

Just like spices brought across the seas,
On swaying Chinese ships,
I’ll model all these dainties,
With the swagger of my hips,

A floral fashionista,
Draped in pretty silken slips,
Attracting Persian princes,
With the pouting of my lips,

And just like selkies swimming,
Clear across the Irish bay,
I’ll travel to Olympus,
In the booming light of day,

“Phalaenopsis Peacock Queen” I’ll be,
A consort unto Zeus,
Carousing at the banquets,
With my champagne glass of juice,

All these budding spots of colour,
Set about my happy face,
Will secure my reputation,
As a paragon of grace!

AD Lovkis, 14/05/25