Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ORCHIDS, by MARGARET OLIVER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ORCHIDS, by                    
First Line: Orchids are prized because their cost is high
Last Line: Who covet beauty only in scarcity.
Subject(s): Orchids


Orchids are prized because their cost is high.
Because they will not grow without great care.
And many men have travelled far -- to die
In fetid jungles, searching for a kind more rare.
Yet lilies, tall and stately, waxen white;
Roses in fold on fold of velvet pink;
Sweet peas -- reflections of the rainbow's light,
Star Jasmine whose beauty must from sunlight shrink;
These all bloom lavishly on every hand
Nor need great care of folk to help them grow.
No life is sacrificed for them in some far land,
And thus their value is considered low.
What fools that sort of humankind must be,
Who covet beauty only in scarcity.





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