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Thursday, January 05, 2023

A PANTOUM OF PINK IGUANAS

by Jeannie E. Roberts




Like pigs, flamingos, and roses in bloom 
the shade of lotus, spinel, and queen conch 
sheen of quartz, coral, and Himalayan salt 
the Galápagos’ iguanas wield pink 

In shades of lotus, spinel, and queen conch 
island reptiles conquered Wolf Volcano 
The Galápagos’ iguanas wield pink 
This rare species defeated extinction 

Island reptiles conquered Wolf Volcano 
where fierceness encircles the habitat 
This rare species defeated extinction 
They weather in nests above sea level 

Where fierceness encircles the habitat 
these iguanas face serious danger 
They weather in nests above sea level 
An expedition observed new babies 

These iguanas face serious danger 
Life’s revelations bid hopeful tidings 
An expedition observed new babies 
Scientists will monitor their safety 

Life’s revelations bid hopeful tidings 
Veiled lenses identified the hatchlings 
Scientists will monitor their safety 
The novelty brings news of survival 

Veiled lenses identified the hatchlings 
Years of research garnered discovery 
The novelty brings news of survival 
like pigs, flamingos, and roses in bloom


Jeannie E. Roberts has authored eight books, six poetry collections and two illustrated children's books. Her most recent collection is titled The Ethereal Effect—A Collection of Villanelles (Kelsay Books, 2022). She serves as a poetry editor for the online literary magazine Halfway Down the Stairs and is a Best of the Net and an Eric Hoffer award nominee.