Torment

(make of it what you will)

butterflies in exquisite emperor

clothed perfection pinned inside

a mahogany display case

for the whole of the world to view

instead of seeing them chase 

rainbows

for the whole of the world to choose

to experience the beauty of tiny

creatures with their delicate

features now out of breath, dead

confined to museums

my inner child recalls the shock

as heart took a direct hit pondering

why anyone would wish to see

cruel demise of flutterbys born for

happy flight

out of my garden, i held one close

crushed almost beyond recognition,

fading before my eyes, i wept inside

with despair but with rare insight and 

fine timing, i caught her, glimpsed

into her soul and saw her torment

Reviews

[iliOZ]

i am with you Chris, too bad most of us don't count the birds and bees, vegetation and ultimately us, humans.
i wonder what humans in ... well 5000 years from now stumble upon your poem in a digital cemetery, would they even know what a butterfly is?
like i started, i am with you by trying to convince others with my actions and my words

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you iliOZ, I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[emmajoy]

What a truly sensitive and insightful post, dear Chris. Don't doubt you realised long, long ago that the most fragile of all species make the easiest targets. Over history, hordes of creatures, two and four legged, winged, gilled and of course, varied terrains, have been destroyed: a majority gone forever and even now many irretrievable. We all know who the enemy is, and even now in our present predicament, there are millions that don't care a damn about Life - tis a case for live for the day and so what. What if nothing's left?

This post is without comparison. With all my being, thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. A subject dear to my heart. I hate what is taking place with the destruction of creatures both great and small. If a child can see it, why can't adults, I ask myself. I just knew you would feel the same as myself over this. All good wishes.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Because adults are generally greedier than children! Cynical yes, but you've only to see the adults walking around mask less to know how they feel about Life, the living. Wishing you a calm and smiley week ahead, keep safe, take care. Em.. (ready for the midnight slot)

[Dave]

Chris, you are again, so right. I delight in watching them flutter across my backyard, so colorful, so full of life. You make me remember when I was in 6th grade and we had a terrarium in the classroom. There were two caterpillars and over a period of time we watched them spin their cocoon and eventually come out as butterflies. We were all in awe. Of course, we concluded the experience by releasing them outside.

Tkae care of yourself - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Dave, that's the way to do it. Educational, observation and then release. Perfect my friend. Thank you for your visit. Look after yourself. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[Dave]

You too - Dave

[duff]

Stunning poetry. The lines and imagery are sharp. Great job!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you duff for your encouragement and your lovely review.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

Such a gentle loving
piece this is showing
your admiration and
caring thoughts

sad but true I've
seen collectors
books of these
beauties .butterflies
are meant to be free
to touch the sky
and fly away

nice work Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fran Marie. Appreciate your thoughtful review muchly. All the best.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

you re most
welcome;

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

These words can only come from someone with a very tender and caring soul and I know how you feel dear Chris. This is a cruel and ruthless world with little thought for the frail and defenseless creatures that inhabit it alongside us though God knows they have an equal right to thrive on this earth as we do. Let us say a prayer together for more empathy and love to burgeon in our hearts. Thanks for this beautifully heartbreaking poem.

[Chris Shaw]

We destroy so much Ditzy and you know how much I love all creatures great and small. We treat our animal friends, in fact all sentient beings with much disdain. When I see the fear in the animals eyes waiting for the slaughterhouse, it breaks my heart. And killing animals for sport sickens me beyond belief. There are some of our species who are positively cruel. Treats again .....along with a big thank you.

Chris

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

You're most welcome dear Chris and understand your concern. I read such horrific things too. Like animals bashed up before slaughter to make their meat tastier??? There are millions of creatures dying absolutely horrific deaths and we feel so helpless. Let's send out positives vibes and prayers for change....

[Lorry]

Well said Chris. People just want to own everything and maybe that is why the world is as screwy as it is.
Is there a child anywhere in the world not enthralled, delighted and other words ending in ed when a butterfly lands on them for a rest and to say hello? Ladybirds too, but to be honest I was a little freaked out when a green ladybird was spotted one playtime in primary school, but I just put it down to it not being ripe yet...but still wary of them. Its a bit like seeing a goth wearing a tie dyed t shirt and smiling, isn't it?
Anyway, back to the plot... Picturing junior you, mouth agape as a gasp escapes and smile infects, wishing you had wings to join them.
Ah, those innocent youthful days!
Come to think of it, I can't recall last time I saw one. Will have to google "where are all the butterflies at?" I'd ask Alexa, but it seems rude to wake her at silly O'clock in the AM of a Saturday morn. Think I'll give her a lie in, she deserves it with answering all those questions all day. What a woman! And so is Alexa of course 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Ha. I like that Lorry. Ripe ladybirds, what a thought. I love butterflies and ladybirds, they remind me of little me. Dressing up and dancing as one or the other. Or sometimes a busy bee. I was always so graceful then. I think I might not quite fit the bill anymore. Give Alexa a lie in hun. She works hard, and probably the other one as well :)Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

Chris

[Lorry]

Forgot to mention the time I found out they're not made of butter either. Yeuck! 😀

[Patricia Wedel]

I got stung by a Wasp, and it hurt; however I put
antibiotic cream on it and it disappeared in no time.
Perhaps a bee sting could be the "cure" for the
Corona Virus. Wouldn't that be a simple solution,
however, we cannot "spare" the Bees... without them,
we would surely die. However, we could do without the "Wasps". lol.
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Happy to see less of wasps Pat. Don't like them at all. They are mean. I've never been stung by a bee, but yes, by wasps. Painful it was too. We need our bees, beautiful hard working creatures, in our gardens. Working their little socks off. Thank you dear Pat. I hope your dear Roger is doing ok. I saw from another post he was having dialysis today. Hope it has gone ok and you are both in good spirits. Fondly from me across the sea,

Chris

[.]

So delicate poem... I love the concept very much.... There is a saying.... The wilds are beautiful in the wilderness and the children in their mother's lap. If you really love their beauty we should set them free... As they are

[Chris Shaw]

Love this beautiful review Sima. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Sean M. Addams]

Very thought provoking. Love the concept of this piece. Overall a very interesting and impressive piece

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sean for your visit. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All good wishes.

Chris