To Orchid (as in Verb)

is to recycle coconut husk
into soil

drink water from vapour
using a stomata straw

live statuesquely
dangling from the ledge of survival

and then, to open up the vortex
of your heart

herald a fine art of apricot tongues
on mauve petals

as though to exhibit colours
was compensation for ‘not blooming’

to orchid, is to
mimic narrow, minimal life

yet stay in the game
when roses and violets are wilting

it is to accomplish stunning disclosures
when none are expected

it is to flourish
when nurturers gave you up for dead

to orchid
is to take one by surprise

the way a currency note might
when spotted in a wallet about to be discarded.

Ant in Amber

The craggy underside of a leaf is full of toeholds. It allows me to walk
upside down on the bristling length of a stem. I dive into the receptacles
of the hibiscus, slurp on the milk of aphids. From the tips of my elbowed
antennae to the ends of my chitin exoskeleton, I am industrious. Here in
this forest of conifers, I am high on pine-scent. Climbing a particularly
tall, arrow shaped bark, I encounter a missing limb. Resin oozes on the
tree trunk.

slender hindgut
trapped in Amber
lost pheromones

An Elephant

carved in ivory, forever frozen, bled
dry from the poached tusk. Its huge body 

           in huge rigor mortis. You hear 
           the anguished trumpeting in your heart.

The severed ivory tooth chokes you.
You’ll never be able to speak again.

            The sound of the sawing deafens you
            You’ll never be able to hear again.
                  
You see the soft eyes of newborn calves
every time you close your own.

            And here in someone‘s showcase, 
            the ivory elephant trumpets.

You
cringe at the stark contrast of white 
against 
a horde of red, blood-soaked hands.

Thank you Pervin Saket for the lovely editorial comments. Read the poem in TBLM here https://bombaylitmag.com/to-orchid-as-in-verb/