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BUTTERFLY THOUGHTS

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Published by Linda Wigzell Cress on January 27, 2012 - 01:36
from the ABC set WRITING 2012

Thoughts flutter through my head
Then disappear too soon, half-formed
Like a broken butterfly trying to live a meaningful life before sunset;
As she sails majestically though the flowers
Displaying her brash brightness in all its true glory –
Trying to compensate for the one flawed wing
With the beauty of the colours of her soul.
So – I reach out to grab those thoughts and ideas
That flit across my heaving brain
Before they can plunge to earth and disintegrate.
If an idea not quite complete can be caught in a net
And pinned down before it withers and perishes –
Then – All is not lost.
But there are so many;
I whirl around and around and flail my arms and wave my net
Back and forth Back and forth
And catch a few;
But far too many are blown by the breath of the wind
And I watch their hope-filled colours drift away and away
Out of reach.
I weep to see some fall to the ground and die;
Some vanish over the horizon with no promise of return;
Others are drawn towards the sun and I am dazzled –
Do their papery parchment wings burn out with a sighing flame
If they fly too close to the truth of the bright solar light?
And I look into my net like a spider peering at its web
And see my helpless prey:
Ideas flap-flapping on broken wings
Thoughts doomed to be lost forever if not pinned down.
So I take out my pen and I write and I write til my head aches
Til I have drained the last spark of life from them onto my voracious page
And they lay quiet and spent.
Then I throw down my sword, the pen which has slain them
And head on hands I sleep with grateful exhaustion.
But no no no – too soon I hear
Flap-flap against the window of my fast-closed eyes
More patchwork clouds of butterfly thoughts demand admittance.
I shake my head from side to side
I try to read them all but some are flitting away already;
I cannot let them all escape
I must cast my net again and again.
It is the only hope of saving my sanity.

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Comments

oldpesky | January 27, 2012 - 16:56

Hi Linda, I loved this line -

'Like a broken butterfly trying to live a meaningful life before sunset;'

Lots of lovely images in this.

Linda Wigzell Cress | January 28, 2012 - 10:39

Thanks oldpesky, having read more of your stuff now this is a true compliment and very encouraging.

Denzella | February 4, 2012 - 17:03

Hello Linda,

I liked the extended metaphor used in this poem and you created some excellent images.

I really like your work.

I shall have to keep visiting your site.

Moya

The Royster | July 16, 2012 - 14:22

I amso enjoying reading your work I am forgetting to get on with mine.
I guess yours is much more interesting.
Keep going, though not too quickly as I'm trying to catch up.
Roy

sue dinum | September 16, 2012 - 10:03

Hi Linda, here I am as promised. This poem is wonderful and how the editors missed it is beyond me. Not only did it deserve cherrying it deserved hundreds more comments and general acclaim from the site. I love your analogy with butterflies, those fleeting thoughts, ideas and words, it's just perfect because that's how it is, especially as one gets older - you know the thing: Now why did I come out to the kitchen?

And I absolutely loved this next bit which ecapsulated the whole idea for me:

I whirl around and around and flail my arms and wave my net
Back and forth Back and forth
And catch a few;
But far too many are blown by the breath of the wind
And I watch their hope-filled colours drift away and away
Out of reach.

It's just beautiful poetry. That little section in itself could stand alone as a poem. Brilliant stuff, Linda and I'm so pleased I came over to read you.

Looking at your back catalogue, I'm amazed how prolific you have been and still are. I'd never realised. I wish I had more time to catch up on all your work, and others too. There are many pieces on this site that get overlooked, but I guess it's just a case of 'weight-of-numbers'.

Anyway, an absolutely fabulous piece of work from you, Linda, and much enjoyed, especially as it was expressed in a way that I identified with and also wish I could have written.

Trev

The Royster | September 16, 2012 - 10:28

Hi Linda,
Nothing I can add to the above.
As usual, your talent for such enjoyable reading is something many of us would be proud of.
Royx

Linda Wigzell Cress | September 16, 2012 - 18:25

Hi Moya - This is an extremely belated thank you for telling me of your interest in this poem at a time when I really did need that encouragement! Linda

Linda Wigzell Cress | September 16, 2012 - 18:27

Hi Roy. Just spotted your kind comment on this. Just a thank you for your continuing support and hope my work will continue to interest you.
Linda

Linda Wigzell Cress | September 16, 2012 - 20:07

Trev, I was just blown away by your reaction to this poem, and so glad it struck a chord with you. I must admit at the time of writing I did feel a little disappointment at the lack of interest; I was going through a particularly difficult time personally and this one meant a lot; however as you say there are so many really brilliant pieces of work on this site for the eds to read. But your kind comments and enthusiasm are really uplifting. 'Beautiful poetry'. Those words are music to my ears. Thanks for posting.
Linda

Linda Wigzell Cress | September 16, 2012 - 20:13

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