Like a Drunken Butterfly

~ odd things happen during the Santa Ana winds ~

“It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch” Raymond Chandler

 

A blistering summer afternoon

 scented of peaches,

                 plump with fragrance,

sweetening the yesterday’s sweeping the shores of my eyelids…

The day should be ripe with possibilities

 

So, why do I feel anxious…misplaced…perhaps a bit “out of sorts”?

 

The glittering sun shares a wink, as if he holds the secret

but surely the wind must know,

this dry, hot wind, born in the desert

breathing through a pastel sky

as restless as the unspoken words

playing hide and seek with the hillflowers,

                   withering in the July heat…

 

And stronger still

as the trees moan and the howl rises

teasing my hair, tickling my cheek,

rustling my wings…

                  and at once I’m spinning

 as uncontrolled as the zephyr

 twirling, twisting

 wild,

                                 feral, untamed

                                and unable to focus

                  yet content in my vertigo

flying towards the unknown

like a drunken butterfly heading to its next fermented flower

 

Yes, let the summer air set me free…

for beautiful paths cannot be discovered without getting a little lost

Author's Note

art ~ Lauri Blank
poetry ~ MsJewel

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Julie... a butterfly out of control... high on the scent of peach snappes... the day ripe with possibillities. I have been in a peach orchard ... where heaven was in the air with rustling wings... wild and untamed.. flying to my next fermented flower. A breathless poem that settled in my heart.
truly, Pat

[MsJewel]

Your lovely comments always leave me with a smile :) Julie

[3mptyness]

I find it very appealing to my senses. The imagery and the way with words is very beautiful thank you for sharing.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment :) Julie

[barleygirl]

This is a brilliant piece! It's one of my favorites of yours that I've read so far & it's one of the best I've read lately. I know the winds of which you speak & you've nailed it so perfectly, as far as the frenzied descriptions full of dynamic imagery. I also love the way your piece starts out with a calmness, but then it gets gradually stirred up. I love the transition line: "why do I feel so . . . " -- a very creative way to switch directions in your message. Such a recognizable restless feeling . . .

[MsJewel]

I'm humbled by your kind and generous words. Thanks so much :) Julie

[barleygirl]

I haven't seen you much at the cafe & I've missed you. Patricia Wedel read-requested me on this poem of yours becuz I recently wrote something about the Santa Ana's . . . I love being reminded of your beautiful poem on this topic!

[Ken Simm.]

Such creative descriptions of atmosphere and mood is never easy. But a description of such a gentle tender mood is even harder in my view; without descending into mawkishness. Here you suceed so well.

[MsJewel]

Thanks so much Ken :) Julie

[Dara]

Oh my, I am almost left speechless by the quality of your writing and images you have created with your words. I can feel the hot wind and sense your restless spirit as the poem evolves. And how true, "beautiful paths cannot be discovered without getting a little lost." Your poetry is always a joy to read and this one will stay with me a long time.

[MsJewel]

Thank you my dear friend :) Julie

[L.C. Jarrette]

wow! what a beautiful poem! i'm glad i read this one. i'm officially a fan...
:)

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words :) Julie

[andrew mitchell]

Nicely written Julie how summer can be sensual on the skin with its warmth, makes one want to go skinny dipping lol.

[MsJewel]

It has been so hot here over the past few days, skinny dipping sounds good to me! :) Julie

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Amazing artwork and poetry! The words and imagery paint a lusciously "ripe", sensuous picture of a "blistering summer afternoon" with Santa Ana Winds rising. Great simile use and wordage - "like a drunken butterfly". Lyrical with lovely flow and style. Love the last line!

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words. :) Julie

[Trace]

Wow... This poem just blows me away....
Hot and trembling with wild abandon
Yet so full of beautifully descriptive pleasure.

I love the line about getting lost to find something wonderful.

Huggs. Trace

[MsJewel]

Thank you sweet beast. I sure miss you :) Julie

[Tony Jordan]

The poetic equivalent of driving down route 66 on a Harley here Julie. Class!

[MsJewel]

Ooooh...now that sounds like more fun! :) Julie