• A solitary orchid
    on top of a fallen tree trunk
    stands as a testament to perseverance,
    its periwinkle petals, freckles clustered
    around the base of each smooth face.

    A gust of wind blows, once, twice.
    The orchid wavers slightly, bending
    down towards the tree trunk as if
    giving a kiss, but then subtly withdraws,
    returning to its original state:
    a light-skinned virgin
    standing on a fallen pedestal.