The Black Orchid and the House That Remembers - By A.chanelle Clement

Written By: A.chanelle Clement

Category: Psychological Narrative Free Verse Poetry.

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, A.chanelle Clement presents "The Black Orchid and the House That Remembers," a captivating piece in the category of Psychological Narrative Free Verse Poetry. This evocative work explores themes of memory and mystery, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the past and present intertwine in haunting elegance. Join us as we delve into this unique narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, and showcases Clement's profound creative talent.

About the Work

"The Black Orchid and the House That Remembers" weaves an intricate tapestry of imagery, sound, and emotion. A.chanelle Clement uses a vivid narrative style to paint a portrait of a house filled with echoes of the past and a mysterious Black Orchid, embodying intelligence and allure. The poem's mood shifts from nostalgic and haunting to fiercely protective and enchantingly dark, inviting readers to ponder the depths of human psyche and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

The black orchid and the house that remembers

Original Submission by A.chanelle Clement

In a small house.

In the midst of darkness falling upon the sky

and stars that scatter across the galaxy.

Just a small house, like something from cartoons and colouring books: red roof, one tree, one window, one door, one chimney.

A family of three. Mom, Dad, and Baby.

The start of new beginnings.

A glowing light from inside.

Faint noises.

Mom and Dad-are they talking?

Loud footsteps on hardwood floors, more like running-are they playing? Plates and glasses, the sound of broken utensils-Mom’s dishing? A scream, a shout-“shhhhh… she’s sleeping.”

Silent groans of a woman, she can’t breathe, she’s suffocating. The voice of an angry man, loud bangs-Mom and Dad watching a movie?

Footsteps and blood.

A contradicting sound.

Down the hallway.

Faint. Quiet.

Too dark and too mythic to ignore.

A hint of nostalgia lingers there-subtle, sweet, haunting, slow.

The sound of a music box-

a pink ballerina putting the baby to sleep.

The baby to sleep?

A faint creek.

The sound of a door opening into the pink room. A violent blow of wind.

Curtains dancing.

Windows broken.

Where is the baby?

……….

18 years later…

A glimpse.

A rare sight.

A secret, a vault.

She is one of the most fiercely protected in the land.

She gave us a chance-

I mean her mother.

Fierce and cold. Darkly elegant.

Steel and velvet.

Her love is absurd, suffocating.

Yet it overflows with wisdom and awe-striking beauty.

Mother Gothel protects her child-

the Black Orchid.

In the great mansion, a sanctuary for her-

a cathedral to most.

Great stones of a Spanish sunlit home

high in the mountains, far, far away.

With great vines and windows, trees and dark skies.

Ivory stone pillars.

Staircases that curl like thoughts.

My house-her mansion.

A secret refuge, cloaked in dusk and guarded by shadows.

Built not to impress-but to intimidate and enchant. A palace of restraint, of velvet threats and golden grief.

Windows that drink moonlight and capture her silhouette. Ivory corridors and vaulted ceilings.

Her silk lace gown kisses marble floors.

There she is.

The long-lasting mystery.

A Black Orchid-embodiment of intelligence and design.

Carefully curated-she is the object of power and seduction.

Her mystery settles like dusk till dawn.

Through strength and resilience, her composure remains slow and majestic.

Carefree and siren-like-she has full control over herself. Taming her wild emotions like Great Danes.

Dangerous, yet obedient.

Protected and loved by Mother Gothel.

She grooms her. Seals her.

Though she manipulates and controls.

“Mother knows best.”

She is a Black Orchid-rebellious and wild.

A deep-sea pull of enchanting aura.

Body, skin, and hair-like sculpture.

A mermaid. An object of the Renaissance.

She looks calm. Deadly composed.

Unmoved by wind or noise.

Those eyes-intimidating, hypnotic.

You tell me-you read novels-

what do you think of a mysterious woman, braids and dreads, regal and African?

Her mind is a spellbinding sniper.

Alluring. Creative.

Far out of reach.

Nobody has heard of her-

the child of Mother Gothel.

People can only look up at the mansion and wonder.

Far away, she is locked and kept-

but in a beautiful world.

Only a myth to normal people.

She has adapted the ways of her mother. Her mother?

She hates her. She loves her.

After all, she was stolen from a dreadful place-

almost harmed, almost killed.

Only to be kept away

in the beautiful mansion-locked in shadows and darkness.

Although in a strangely beautiful world.

The story of Mother Gothel and the Black Orchid. The story of my subconscious and me.

Funny the things your mind does-

in order to protect you.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform for poets and writers worldwide to showcase their creative talents. This competition celebrates diverse voices and unique storytelling, inviting participants to submit their best works in various categories. It serves as a beacon for discovering new literary talents and fostering a global community of creative minds.

We extend our gratitude to A.chanelle Clement for sharing "The Black Orchid and the House That Remembers" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work has offered a profound exploration of mystery and memory, and we are honored to feature it. Thank you for enriching our creative community with your evocative poetry.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.