Sara

Love came to me 

in the most unexpected 

of ways, not through lust

or the warmth 

of a man’s body.

I saw love

in the hopeful eyes 

of a child, through her forgiving, 

giving smile which set a gentle fire 

to the kindling of my soul

and sent butterflies 

to the lavender

of my heart.  

Reviews

[Eilis]

Your last three lines here are so evocative. Beautiful image. The delicacy of the butterfly is a wonderful symbol for the tenuous nature of discovery.

I could relate so strongly to this poem. Having my own experience with a child teaching me what it meant to love. When I was 21 my mother took in her sister’s infant son and I ended up being his caretaker. I found such purpose in caring for him, and in helping a child to grow I discovered such a sense of unconditional love.

The innocence of children can be such a balm and wonderful teacher. Their willingness to give and love without qualifications. It’s a valuable lesson for us all.

A beautiful work here, Laura.

[Laura Kate]

Such a beautiful story, Ellis. Thank you so much for sharing and for leaving a positively lovely review.

Sara brought a lot into my life even in the short time that I knew her, the most important being the lesson you speak of which was one I certainly needed to learn.

Thanks a million, Ellis, it was so great for me to read this.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful words. They resonated with me. I see love in the eyes of my three grandchildren whom we have brought up as our own for the last 18 years. You do not have to give birth to form a strong bond of unconditional love. Butterflies and lavender, I understand as I do about giving hope to a child. Lovely work LauraKate.

Chris

[Laura Kate]

Thank you so much Chris. How lucky your three grandchildren are to have you!
Laura.

[John the Baptist]

This offering illustrates the differences in types of love. That variety that gets the most attention is romantic love, which is described in the first verse. Verse two shows a different type, that which arises spontaneously from innocence, the embrace of life by its newest members. This love is natural and does not fade. Very nicely done, especially in the last lines.

[Laura Kate]

Thank you John, I really appreciate your thoughtful review. You're right, romantic love tends to overshadow - this was a very important lesson.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

nothing like the love from and in a child's eyes...
i love the last three lines..."to the lavender/of my heart"
so beautiful...

[Laura Kate]

Thank you Jacob - it means a lot.
I'll never forget the way she looked at me.