Kathi writes about fossils and other earthly subjects, plus the natural history of Michigan, poetry, and more.

An Orchid is like a Woman

Like a woman

An orchid is a beautiful flower

Like her foundation

Its stem is strong yet flexible

Like her skin

The petals are silky soft to the touch

Compared to her feminine body

An orchid's form is curvaceous

Like her beauty

An orchid is designed by nature's highest vision

And reminiscent of her scent

The sweet aroma casts a spell on innocence

Like her patience

The orchid waits to bloom when ready

And similar to her endurance

Few other blossoms matches its longevity

Like a woman

An orchid has special needs to grow

Light to know which direction to face

Water to maintain suppleness

The balance of nutrients to flourish

Like a woman

An orchid can blind with good looks

Seduce the hungry

Lure entrance to trappings of sweet honey

Like a woman

An orchid thrives among nature's bounty

Is admired by countless beings

Like a woman's inner beauty of generosity

Orchids share multiple flowers on a single stem

As only a woman's face can, the orchid gleams in the moonlight

Most of all

A woman is like an orchid wanting, needing loving care

My "white moon" orchid, Phalaenopsis, is in full bloom, inside my Michigan home. Their natural beauty makes them an easy target for artistry and photography, to which I eagerly obliged. Hope you enjoyed the photo poetry inspired by my lovely orchids!

© 2011 Kathi

Comments

Bettie Ami on October 08, 2019:

Wow it's a beautiful poem. So inspiring

Robin Carretti from Hightstown on February 22, 2018:

Your pictures want me to touch the flowers and smell the beauty of the soul deeply rooted and out just lovely your words bloom about

Gladys on August 09, 2015:

Beautiful flowers and comparison!

How can i orders all 9 prints with the poems? Doc G

Denise Handlon from North Carolina on July 02, 2013:

What a perfect piece of poetry to go along with your photography, Kathi. I pinned the photos-they are all very captivating, as are the words of your poem. What an interesting comparison; I really enjoyed it. UP/U/I/A/B and shared.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 28, 2013:

Thank you for the wonderful comment Rolly, Have a great day, Kathi ♥

Rolly A Chabot from Alberta Canada on May 26, 2013:

Hi Kathi.... what a beautiful hub this has been. Your comparisons and photos are just wonderful and so relate the beauty of both the Orchid and the lady in all of the female population... Excellent writing.

Hugs and Blessings from Canada

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 16, 2013:

Endless sea . . . love how that name rolls off the tongue and inspires serenity! Anyway, I greatly appreciate you comment! Take care, Kathi

Hi Michelle, wow, you're so nice to do that! Hugs, Kathi

Michelle Liew from Singapore on May 15, 2013:

Sharing this again, Kathy.

Akhand Pratap SIngh from Lucknow(U.P.) India on May 13, 2013:

Beautiful, the pictures match the words. Amazing and well versed with beautiful pictures, loved the way you compared the delicate and beautiful Orchid to a Woman :) creative.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 11, 2013:

Kim, so nice of you to leave a lovely comment. I'm glad you joined the hub and hope you're enjoying the ride. It's a wonderful community to meet great people like you. Hugs, Kathi

ocfireflies from North Carolina on May 10, 2013:

Your poetry and photographs are so provocative. Every stop by your hub brings not only a smile, but a warmth. You are truly an artist. I feel so lucky to have discovered your beauty.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 10, 2013:

So glad you liked it! Much appreciated, Hugs, Kathi

Eiddwen from Wales on May 09, 2013:

Oh so truly beautiful.

Voted up.

Eddy.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 07, 2013:

You're so kind Michelle, thank you

Hello Pinto2011, I appreciate your lovely comment! Hugs, Kathi

Subhas from New Delhi, India on May 06, 2013:

You have very beautifully metaphorically churned out the subject. I really liked the idea and the way you contoured your subject.

Michelle Liew from Singapore on May 06, 2013:

Sharing this ode to femininity again, Kathi. Beautiful.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on April 17, 2013:

Thank you for the lovely comment Petra . . . have to agree with you. Kathi :O)

Petra Vlah from Los Angeles on April 16, 2013:

Great and appropriate comparison. Orchids are indeed liker Women; delicate, beautiful and enduring.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 01, 2013:

Hi Vicki, Very nice to meet you, sounds like we do have lots in common. I imagine your home is a wonderland of orchids with various colors and patterns! I can just picture it! Thanks for stopping by, Kathi :O)

Vickiw on February 28, 2013:

Hello Fossillady, this is so beautiful. It has taken me a while to find you, but I'm glad to have done so now. Better late than never. Gosh we have many interests in common, including fossils and phalaenopsis. I have 15 that have bloomed many times during the last 12 years! Beautiful Hub, and I will read the others too!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on February 22, 2013:

Oh what a lovely comment . . . I'm glad I could provide a gentle reminder of something you love! I haven't been back here in a while myself so thank you, too, for leading me here to revisit! Have a wonderful weekend, Kathi :O)

Rob Welsh from Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time. on February 22, 2013:

Hi Kathi, I am always 'late'... an interesting niche so often frowned upon by clocks and rigid followers of worn paths! This piece is superb and is filled with so much love, purity and class... how could one not appreciate such unique words and images framed in such talent and beauty! I love orchids almost as much as women... I've found that niche has been of timeless value and great inspiration in my life... thank you for your gentle reminder of that... take care... PD

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on February 11, 2013:

Thank you Michelle, It's that time of year and my orchid is getting ready to bloom again and bless this home! Thank yo for passing it on and let me pass on to you good blessings today! Kathi :O)

Michelle Liew from Singapore on February 10, 2013:

Spot on, Kathi....the orchid has always represented femininity. And it is a strong, hardy flower! Thanks for sharing! Passing this on!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on January 26, 2013:

Thank you so much xstatic, I, in turn, will have to come over and see you hub Delta Ponds! lol

Jim Higgins from Eugene, Oregon on January 26, 2013:

This is a beautiful work of poetry and photography. Epi and always exploring mentioned your work in a comment on my Delta Ponds hub, so I had to come see.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on January 20, 2013:

Thank you kindly mrsbaker! Much appreciated! :O)

mrsbaker02 on January 20, 2013:

What a great illustration and comparison! Beautiful!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on January 14, 2013:

So kind of you to say so Ricardo . . . thank you, Kathi :O)

Ricardo on January 13, 2013:

Thank you Fossillady for inspiring words and inner beauty to what orchids bring to you and us.

Arlette Lee on September 30, 2012:

Wonderful piece of art. Thank you very much for sharing with us.

This is beautiful...I adore orchids, the symbolism of life.

Longevity. A bud dies...a new one blooms and when cared not try always come back alive.

Jessee R from Gurgaon, India on May 03, 2012:

Hi Fossi! This is the first time I have come across your work and I am glad I did :)

Breathtaking pictures... mesmerizing poetry... I have never seen such a beautiful metaphor linking a woman... to an orchid..

Simply beautiful!

Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on May 02, 2012:

Fabulous poetry with beautiful photography that captured essence of your words. The orchid with the light behind it was sublime - "the orchid gleams in moonlight." Sharing.

Bill Vastine on December 31, 2011:

Forwarded this beautiful language & images to friends in USA.....my compliments, and thank you.

Rosemary Sadler from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand on August 28, 2011:

Fossillady such beautiful photos to match your beautiful words.

Annie Fenn from Australia on July 19, 2011:

Lovely comparisons, beautifully written and amazingly illustrated. Your photography is awesome. A delight to the eyes. Thank you for this visual gem.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on June 25, 2011:

Hey Dave, Thank you so much for the cheery compliment! I hope everything is well with you!...Kathi

Dave from Lancashire north west England on June 22, 2011:

Fantastic photography enhanced by your talented prose. No wonder the orchid is the Queen of the flowers. Best wishes to you.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on June 15, 2011:

Thank you so kindly Victor! :o)

Victor Mavedzenge from Oakland, California on June 15, 2011:

Very apt and beautifully put

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on June 07, 2011:

You make me smile and giggle, that's all I need! I hope you have a great day!

epigramman on June 06, 2011:

...I wish I could frame your photographed flowers Kathi and sleep with them under my pillow so I could dream about them all of the time - I wish you happiness and good health always - and it was a miracle/a good day when we met my beautiful and talented friend.

epigramman on May 19, 2011:

.....that's because you're someone special too - tee hee and I have enjoyed my birthday today and I am off tonight with pay - the sun is shining, I cut the grass, went for a walk along my beach, the cats have been out all day and when I look at you Kathi I am 19 again!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 19, 2011:

I do know who! Somebody special! hee

epigramman on May 18, 2011:

...and Kathi, you're still my favorite 'orchid' of all time - and I see you connected with Movie Master - thanks to you know who!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 18, 2011:

I see that you have picked mostly the hubs with flowers! Like myself, you must enjoy them a great deal! I hope you have a splendid day!

Movie Master from United Kingdom on May 17, 2011:

Well, fossillady I am working my way through your hubs, it's taking a long time purely because, I am reading each one over and over again, this is my favourite so far! amazing photos thank you.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on May 08, 2011:

Hi my buddy! You are dear to me, thank you for your loving message! Know that your mum is especially close to you today! She did a great job raising someone as special as you!

epigramman on May 08, 2011:

...thinking of you Kathi on this Mother's Day with love, respect and admiration. My mum was my best friend.

And yes my favorite 'orchid' I send everyone here to see your fabulous hubs.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on April 12, 2011:

Aah, thank you B. That is a great compliment and it makes me want to keep photographing nature's beauty to share here on the hub...have a great day, well, evening now..tee hee

b. Malin on April 12, 2011:

That was one Beautifully written and Photographed Hub. WOW, I am truly speechless, My dear friend Fossillandy.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on April 11, 2011:

Aah, thank you kindly Fay, that makes me feel good!

Fay Paxton on April 11, 2011:

This hub is a work of art! voted up and beautiful.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on April 10, 2011:

Oh Docmo, you make me feel so proud, I am very humbled! Your words of compliment caress my very soul! Thank you my dear friend!

PS..Is it true what I've been hearing through the grapehub that you or Nell may be taking us on another hub trip! Can't wait!

Mohan Kumar from UK on April 10, 2011:

Dear Kathi, this is so beautiful and sensuous. I love the photographs and how your camera lens has caressed the flower in every angle- you are a consummate visual artist. As for the poem, the allegory is simply sumptuous. You have captured and comparisions so well. You are a rare flower in hubland- someone who can not only render textual poetry but can also adorn them with the visual one too. Absolutely gorgeous. My eyes are aching for more. voted up and awesome!

jill of alltrades from Philippines on April 02, 2011:

Hi Fossillday,

Yes, I have not been as active here in HP lately. Everything is good, just many things occupying me lately.

Thank you!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on April 01, 2011:

Hi Jill....long time no see...lol...yes, I took the photos and thank you for the lovely comment! I hope everything is good with you!

jill of alltrades from Philippines on April 01, 2011:

What a beautiful combination of poem and photos! I love this! Did you take the photos? They are perfect!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 30, 2011:

Bless you Daydreamer...hope life is treating you well these days

daydreamer13 on March 29, 2011:

This is beautiful in so many ways!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 27, 2011:

Wow, what a lovely comment...thank you toknow

toknowinfo on March 27, 2011:

Beautiful pictures. Your presence on hub pages is like an orchid. Each of your writings and photo essays are blossom with the next. Thank you for this amazing hub. Rated up and beautiful.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 26, 2011:

Hi Damian Your comment is so touching to my heart...Thank you. Don't worry about not being on line very often..I'm on it way too much..it can take up a lot of time, but it's good to hear from you, Take Care :o)

Hello Jackie, Thanks for stopping by and for nice compliment..

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on March 26, 2011:

Very beautiful.

damian0000 from Belfast on March 26, 2011:

Hi Kathi --- i am not online so often so i am afraid that this hub slipped through my net but better late than never.

It is beautiful ... normally i don't like poems with pictures together because they both seem to crowd and compete for your attention but this one is different. You display a light and sensitive touch which says so much more, the words and the images complement each other. Multum in parvo as they say, and which i really believe... Beautiful hub Kathi --- i will never call u the Fossillady again, now you are the Flowerlady :-) :-)

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 25, 2011:

Katie, that is such a warm thing to say, I am deeply touched with tears in my eyes! Thank you, Kathi

Katie McMurray from Westerville on March 25, 2011:

Just had to come back to this one, read it and vote it up again. Your a beautiful soul and I know JOE is very proud of this poem and all your work. :) Katie

Helen Lewis from Florida on March 22, 2011:

Beautiful!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 17, 2011:

Thank you kindly Dorissun! Smiles

Dorissun on March 17, 2011:

So beautiful poem and flowers.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 17, 2011:

Hi Epi, Aaah, you have such a way with words! Thank you my dear friend!

Ahorseback! lol, didn't want to go there, but it's hard not to see the other side of the coin! Thank you for your nice compliment!

ahorseback on March 17, 2011:

Why did I always think there was something poisonous about an orchid ? Goes to show you why I always shyed away from them ........both the flower and the woman.LOL.Excellent write and photos.

epigramman on March 17, 2011:

......may you always be in a perpetual state of bloom Kathi .....because you will always be the prettiest sweetest flower in epi's vase!!!!!!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 16, 2011:

Very funny Micky, but also true, tee hee!

Well, I appreciate comments from photographers like you having a special eye for nature and what makes a quality photo! Thank you Manny

Micky Dee on March 16, 2011:

Very very beautiful Fossillady. This is so true. Although I've seen some orchids turn into cryptid carnivorous plants. God bless you dear!

mannyrolando on March 16, 2011:

It is quite difficult to decide since I love so many of your hubs... but I think this may be my favorite of your hubs. As always you photography is amazing as is your poetry.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 15, 2011:

Thank you Doug, Very kind of you and I feel the same way about your feedback. I often read what others have commented and you often make me laugh or think about something in a different way! Cheers

Doug Turner Jr. on March 15, 2011:

Very perceptive and displays your intimate knowledge with the flower. I can't disagree with a single comparison you make here. Quite lovely.

Thank you for the high praise on my laundry poem. You feedback is always welcome. Peace.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 15, 2011:

Hi Pink, nice to see you again,Thanks for leaving a comment!

the pink umbrella from the darkened forest deep within me. on March 14, 2011:

loved it!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 13, 2011:

Hi Randy lady, Those are my favorites too! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a nice comment! Smiles

Randy Behavior from Near the Ocean on March 13, 2011:

Lovely Fossillady. I especially liked the back lit orchids and the macro one.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 13, 2011:

Hi tender lady heart, I never had an orchid until someone gave it to me as a gift when my husband passed away. It is thriving and there are at least eleven blooms on it right now. I believe my Joe has a hand in it, I like to think so! Bless you

tnderhrt23 on March 12, 2011:

A truly beautiful hub about one of my favorite flowers. You make a lovely comparison!

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 11, 2011:

You say the sweetest things! I love that about you! Always appreciate your comments! Bless you!!

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on March 11, 2011:

I agree with you. Orchid is always beautiful like a woman. When the flower blooms like the woman show their smile. Amazing and great idea from you. Rated up.God bless you. Take care!

Prasetio

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 11, 2011:

Thanks for stopping by Katie, glad you agree

Katie McMurray from Westerville on March 11, 2011:

Orchid are amazingly mesmerizing, beautiful, unique and magical and is like a woman. Beautiful and very well spoken. :) Katie

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 09, 2011:

Thank you Bella, good to see you!! Hugs sweet lady

Erica Sanchez from California on March 09, 2011:

The sensitivity of an orchid that a woman beholds I could not have expressed it better than you!! Great reading material Lady! I WUBBED IT!!

smiles :)

bella

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 08, 2011:

Okay, gottcha A.E.

Bluestar, That's exactly who I'm talking about! You, my friend!

Annette Donaldson from Northern Ireland on March 08, 2011:

Beautiful stunning photos. and lovely poem. Very nicely written if only it was me you were describing lol

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on March 07, 2011:

Fossi, Hee, Erin Lefey wants to go with us this time. The croud is growing. Woo Hoo

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 07, 2011:

Okay Ruby, your on, lol

B.Good to see you, thank you for your nice compliment! Very flattering and it makes me feel I've done my job!

Epi, You are a darling sweet man and I always look forward to your visits! xxxooo

Acaetnna! I hadn't thought of them that way either until my photo session with them. It just seemed to fit! Bless you!

AAustin, I hope you don't mind me using your name, it's a nice name! Thank you for sharing your reaction, I was hoping someone could almost smell the fragrance. Smiles..

Augustine A Zavala from Texas on March 07, 2011:

Orchids are as beautiful as a woman. I felt as if I could take in the fragrance of the flower, esquisite. Thank you for sharing.

acaetnna from Guildford on March 07, 2011:

This hub is incredible. I adore orchids, although I am not great at looking after them properly!

Your words are beautiful and the pictures totally stunning. I certainly hadn't thought of orchids in this way before!

epigramman on March 07, 2011:

...and you are the most beautiful 'orchid' of them all Kathi !!!!! Your photography reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe (the painter) and her flowers - high praise indeed - and your sacred words always poetically accentuate these images so beautifully - leaving me to say, breathlessly, this is a world class art and poetry exhibit - and a veritable feast for the mind and the eyes!!!

b. Malin on March 07, 2011:

What a Beautiful Poem and Experience is shared by all of us as we read your Poem, and look at the Exquisite Photography...Wow Fossillady, Wow!

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on March 07, 2011:

Hee, Ain't it the truth.

Kathi (author) from Saugatuck Michigan on March 07, 2011:

Noblest, thank you for your kindness

Ruby, I really appreciate your beautiful comment! And, Uh oh, I better get my creative juices flow'n for our next trip! I know you're never gonna let me off the hook!Tee hee