Poems: Poetry and Orchids
POEM: "ORCHIDS"
POET: HAZEL SIMMONS-McDONALD (St. Lucian-born)
FACTS:
Ø Orchids are currently believed to be the largest family of flowering plants.
Ø The number of orchid species equals more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species. It also encompasses about 6–11% of all seed plants.
Ø All orchids are perennial (persistent) herbs and lack any permanent woody structure. The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is, they live for several years.
Ø The dried seed pods of some species are used as flavouring in baking, for perfume manufacture and aromatherapy (in traditional medicine).
Ø Orchids are usually cultivated simply for the enjoyment of the flower.
ETYMOLOGY (origin of the word "orchids"):
The name comes from the Greek, literally meaning "testicle", because of the shape of the root. The Greek myth of Orchis explains the origin of the plants. Orchis, the son of a nymph (female demigod) and a satyr (male demigod associated with music and merriment), got drunk at a festival of Dionysius (Bacchus) in the forest and attempted to rape a priestess of Dionysius. For his insult, he was torn apart by the Bacchanalians. His father prayed for him to be restored, but the gods instead changed him into a flower (orchid). Thereby exposing his "testicles" (nakedness and shame) forever.
ANALYSIS OF POEM:
"Orchids"
I leave this house
Box pieces of the five-week life I’ve gathered.
This connotes a broken/divided/fragmented/disjointed/separated existence, perhaps a relationship. The house is symbolic of the persona’s desire/quest for security, safety and belonging. The persona (1st person narrator) leaves with his belongings packed away in boxes (accumulated over a five-week period).
I’ll send them on to fill spaces in my future life.
His possessions are transported elsewhere; continually building upon the persona’s possible past failed relationships and shifting lifestyle.
5 One thing is left
POET: HAZEL SIMMONS-McDONALD (St. Lucian-born)
FACTS:
Ø Orchids are currently believed to be the largest family of flowering plants.
Ø The number of orchid species equals more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species. It also encompasses about 6–11% of all seed plants.
Ø All orchids are perennial (persistent) herbs and lack any permanent woody structure. The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is, they live for several years.
Ø The dried seed pods of some species are used as flavouring in baking, for perfume manufacture and aromatherapy (in traditional medicine).
Ø Orchids are usually cultivated simply for the enjoyment of the flower.
ETYMOLOGY (origin of the word "orchids"):
The name comes from the Greek, literally meaning "testicle", because of the shape of the root. The Greek myth of Orchis explains the origin of the plants. Orchis, the son of a nymph (female demigod) and a satyr (male demigod associated with music and merriment), got drunk at a festival of Dionysius (Bacchus) in the forest and attempted to rape a priestess of Dionysius. For his insult, he was torn apart by the Bacchanalians. His father prayed for him to be restored, but the gods instead changed him into a flower (orchid). Thereby exposing his "testicles" (nakedness and shame) forever.
ANALYSIS OF POEM:
"Orchids"
I leave this house
Box pieces of the five-week life I’ve gathered.
This connotes a broken/divided/fragmented/disjointed/separated existence, perhaps a relationship. The house is symbolic of the persona’s desire/quest for security, safety and belonging. The persona (1st person narrator) leaves with his belongings packed away in boxes (accumulated over a five-week period).
I’ll send them on to fill spaces in my future life.
His possessions are transported elsewhere; continually building upon the persona’s possible past failed relationships and shifting lifestyle.
5 One thing is left