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

[M P Ramesh]

jewel,

Nothing is earned without loss. The writers can only distinguish it as source of art . The paIN OF CREATION is such that writers sacrifice their life for the beauty of their creation as above

enjoy ever while writing a...and all such attempts are rich in everything

excellanbt attempt of mood ....
carry on...
mp

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Love can certainly bring on euphoric disorientation... your beautiful poem sighfully sweet.

[Carol Cashes]

This is an amazing read to start my day! It is hot as blazes here in Biloxi, MS, and you pretty much have to go to the beach to catch a breeze. I cannot wait for the the time that I do not have to wake up...until I wake up, go where ever I want...or not. But one place I will always choose to go is to any mountain. Hearing the breeze in the tall Ponderosa Pines in the California Gold Country was heaven's own symphony to me. A drunken butterfly! I am not a poet, I tell long winded stories, but I'm always amazed at the phenomenal demonstrations by the talent here of just what one can do with the English language with a little thought. You are in that number.

[Josie E. Cook M. A.]

What a heartfelt flight this is into nature and what surrounds us when we experience it well!

[Hi]

Sweet whimsy; a piece to get lost in. Thanks.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Wonderful art work - compliments your exquisitely penned words perfectly! The format and structure give strength and creativity to the write - a pleasant flow, which I the reader found delightful ... :-)

[richieb]

MsJewel,
I can smell the fragrance of peaches. I can feel the wind and know that my soul is stirred. Your writing is always clean with a soft tone that invites dreaminess.
I love your poetry and look forward to reading more.
Peace,
Richie b.

[MomzillaNC]

Your imagery is always so sensual. Your words drive the mind’s eye to soul deep beauty. As always, your poetry is a feast for the senses.

[MsJewel]

You are very kind. Thank you :) Julie

[.]

A very sensual piece.

Beautiful images and lush descriptions of the scene, placing the reader right there amongst the hillflowers.
Loved the moral message in your concluding lines; that the path less chosen, less viewed, can be full of surprises and even contentment.

Very well written, as always. Well Done.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your wonderful review :) Julie

[Tabby Mac]

I love where this piece took me! Much like watching a butterfly on a hot day, my mind relaxed and hung on every word! I absolutely love your style. It's unique in its softness, elegance, and grace. You have the ability like a cartoon scent to lure one in.
I'm always captivated by your words, but this piece is one of my favorites! I love it!! I have to save this one!
Tabby

[MsJewel]

Thank you my sweet friend. You have made my day! :) Julie