Oh how I miss the butterflies

~

 

Beyond the chipped paint and tarnished handle

of this old screen door once waited a garden,

a winding path of stone and dirt

I had walked many times in my life

that led to a place of wondrous beauty,

poetic blooms and intoxicating fragrances

 

Merely stepping beneath the Jasmine covered arbor

lifted spirits and illumined hope that all was right,

and the butterflies, oh the butterflies, winged effervescence in

sapphire, indigo, tangerine and lemon butter yellows

floated from flower to flower creating

the most wonderful dancing rainbow for the eye

 

I still smile when I hear those old rusted hinges squeak

and I feel that fresh air meet my face

For those memories linger in my mind,

as now I find the path overgrown, the arbor splintered and fallen,

the vibrant garden a mass of weed and vine

strangling the beauty that once flourished

 

And I understand, life changes…slowly,

each of us deteriorate within time’s grasp, returning

to where we began, covered in lawn and dew

beginning anew or to be forgotten…

an occasional thought that passes

down another path of another life

 

Now as I stand gazing at what once was,

a tear finds my cheek, meandering over these wrinkles

gathering in the corner of my mouth…salty

yet it is not the garden nor the whimsical path

that collects in my mind…it is the butterflies,

oh how I miss the butterflies…

 

~

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[Soren]

A great story, metaphor or how ever you want to take it. I too miss the butterflies.

[willweb]

Yep, that's right, however you want to take it. That is the cool thing about poetry. Thanks so much my friend.

[lightsong]

This feels special. so special... a walk with your soul, in all the trails knowing it is yet whole and complete, You again have some truly beautiful expressions sealed with your own touch. a haunting piece, more amazing to me how You are giving the lesson of life through that way... in a deeply touching way. Great poem my friend... and the last line... Oh... how beautiful...

[willweb]

It is special and thank you for finding that though, unless humor is involved most of my poetry has a story behind it somewhere...just hanging out in case it is needed. I love gardens, I have many that I tend to and each one brings me so much joy. I look forward to the return of the butterflies and hummingbirds each year. There is so much beauty in life if we just take the time to look. And love, now that is a different type of beauty and possibly the most beautiful of all. Thank you again, sorry to get a little carried away here but I am truly humbled by your thoughts.

[lightsong]

I don't even know one small reason for why You are apologizing?

Nature is bliss, I can't imagine living without it, some green, some blue, some flowers, some trees, some beautiful creatures... then some poetry. Yes I hear You my emotional friend, and may You always be surrounded by these graces🤍

[Ayvid N]

The garden gets starker with time. The butterflies leave with the colours. Some very haunting lines here...

each of us deteriorate within time’s grasp, returning
to where we began, covered in lawn and dew

Perhaps, our memories are the only place we can keep those butterflies alive.
Beautiful words, my friend!

[willweb]

Thanks so much Divya, Yep, we all grow old, we all start to crumble but hopefully our memories will remain intact.

[Ayvid N]

Indeed, that's all we have to carry us through.
Take care and have a lovely day.

[Betty Hermelee]

A beautiful ode to your youth your space your former effervescence……it stings you sometimes to return to nothingness where once there was magnificence….and as the garden aged so did you….but one thing still rings in your mind those rainbow butterflies in a a magical garden…..
Nice write Will….quite vivid and colorful…..
Best, B

[willweb]

Thank you Betty. I am thrilled you enjoyed my stroll back to the garden.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, it's always great to revisit your magical past....
You're very welcome!
Best, B