On the Absence of Butterflies and Flames

Inspired by a conversation with the conversant who most inspires me.

Where before flutterings took wing
convincing pattering heart to swoon,
lips to tremble, hands to quake,
residence is taken by something
re-countable as perfect peace.

When once hot fingers of desire
scorched their way through every cell;
caused dark, breathless anticipation;
the soul finds footing, shall aspire
to completion, communion in your form.

How deliciously the hours are passed
relishing completion finally found,
satisfied unequivocally, not smothered
by vapid inundation that shan't last.
I miss not those flittings nor flickerings.

Why do we all seek butterflies and flames
when each is doomed to die so very young?

Reviews

[Solst Rapture]

This is quite something...so pressured and vigorous!

For me, death is distraction from beauty. Even if a butterfly dies young, my memory of it fluttering around my garden, trying to get to my broccoli, will live longer than some of what we humans assume to be the most enduring things.

It was, like poetry, a valued expereince than reminds me of my slightness.

Enjoy this a lot.

[Ed Hart]

come on, you know why we do it...we do it so we can write poems like these...

[Naomi Montana Walsh]

This poem is just wonderful . True those fleeting things seem to draw us to them . We perhaps like chaseing dreams more than living reality. Well done

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

You said it so well with poetic grace... why do we go for those things that have no real meaning except a moment of glory instead of giving it all to what matters like love of friends and family... that butterflies and flames analogy is brilliant.

[Narnie]

The sounds you've constructed in this perfectly echo the butterfly's wings. The shapes the mouth (mind) make when it's spoken is also very sensual and particularly thoughtful. I thought it was a shame to have the two full stops in the penultimate stanza as maybe it halted it too soon? The flow is so beautiful I would tentatively suggest a 'for' instead of that full stop? Absolutely beautiful though Constance - I am a new fan of your work.

[MagiCrystal]

They have unique beauty... magnetic..Butterfly's are like a rainbow not one is alike...and they have crystal wings..magical if I may say...
But mix with flames.. they have no chance they are so fragile..
Their pace is almost irregular.. and they fly alone..
Unique majestic insect.. love your poem..

[just rose.]

This is very thought-provoking and I like the juxtaposition of light, transient elements like butterflies and flames with the deeper themes expressed, suggesting a paradox in transformation.

[Francez]

Your description of the butterflies and flames is elegant and vivid.
Who hasn't experience them? :-) And yes, tragically, 'each is doomed to die so very young'. I do agree with you that we shouldn't seek those things. Love is more than butterflies and flames. It's about commitment, nurturing, caring, etc.