Gilded Cage

The music included was my sister's favorite song, it held new meaning after I lost her...

found my place among the ashes of old memories & photographs

starry nights hold no sparkle, the moon shines on another galaxy

music doesn't sound the same, butterflies failed to flutter their wings

i tried to smile the tune to your favorite song, 

notes turned into tears, shadowed meanings drifted 

clouds of haze lined in pain where silver was once a hue

bloodied roses set you free on that fateful day

I landed in the gilded cage with a bird of no voice

we kept each other company praying for a song

to lift our wings and breathe new life

imprisoned within this shelter it grew louder

not enough room to harbor two heavy hearts

living had become darker than death

i shut you out without flight

you surrendered nary a fight

the cage bars lifted

       ~~~as you trailed off I heard a whispered hush of singing

                                  'nobody cries, there's only butterflies'

Author's Note

Reviews

[Horizon K.]

... Notes turned into tears... I can't even imagine, how heavy it must feel to even breathe, how painful to hear a song or the sound of some disconnected laughter... If I lost my own sister. This poem is so terribly sad while beautifully wrought. My heart to you dear Frieda, for your tragic loss...

[Frieda P]

Thanks so much for your kindness Horizon, much appreciated...

[redflutterby]

I really can't find the words to do this homage justice. Its sweet sadness haunts me to tears. Much love dear friend... xo

[Frieda P]

Those words were perfect Red. xo

[David Scott]

You show emapthy and understanding for those who are blamed and understood poorly. It is nice to think of those who have gone on in this way... free at last to sing and fly and no longer bruise their wings against the cold bars of this life's realities.
Kindness and love shine through here.

[Frieda P]

I have my moments David, thanks for your kind thoughts.

[kublakhan27]

Music has a way of doing that...it's like the favourite songs of the people we lose already have those deep connections, but only the tragedy of their loss unlocks them...I hate seeing you like this, but this is when your art (and your heart for that matter) shines the brightest...this one would hit close to the bone on any day for me, but under the current circumstances - heavy rain, high winds, and a cold apartment - it's almost too much to handle...I just feel this...

[Frieda P]

I know you can, we have that same pain to deal with...xo

[kublakhan27]

Very true...xo

[Marie]

A flight of butterflies is a strand of golden music...

[Frieda P]

Lovely thought Marie, thanks.

[marie]

i never really knew your sister, but this poem holds e great piece of her memory, i am so sorry for your loss, and i pray that you will be comforted in the coming years.

[Frieda P]

Thanks marie, to know her was to love her....

[marie]

no problem, as you know i share this grief though for another, i understand...

[TL Boehm]

beautiful and heartfelt. I am a lover of music and there are those songs that I can no longer listen to because they remind me of someone who is no longer with me. I agree with Jack. This was a magical piece.

[Frieda P]

Exactly, the memories are tenfold with those sad tunes. Thanks TL.

[Jack...]

this is one of the most beautiful, touching and loving poems I have read in some time. Your sister seems like she was a wonderful woman and I feel so sad for you my friend. This is such a sweet tribute. I have read several you have written for her, this is one of your best. You are magic Frieda.

[Frieda P]

You are most sweet dear friend....thank you, always.

[Ken Simm.]

A Butterfly beats its wings in the forest and a heart slips in New Jersey. Pain in your cage of gold Freda. But writ well pain. Cathartic writing it seems to me.

[Frieda P]

Love your words here Ken, thanks so much, much appreciated.

[quinfinn]

somehow, it wasn't difficult to imagine frieda posies paragliding over the state of new jersey, singing this song....it's okay, you know the words...all you gotta do is sing. yesterday your poetry was gorgeous and hopeful....today it is gorgeous and sad..... i guess life intervened.....as it sometimes will. hope your day is wonderful.

[Frieda P]

You know me too well quin, never know where the wind will drift me off to...thanks so much x

[quinfinn]

always....

[Rogue]

Aww, Frieda..
Very deep and emotional thoughts going on here.
Very well worded and pain filled piece.
May your days be brighter and your heart be lifted, Dear.

[Frieda P]

Thanks Rogue, much appreciate the sentiment.