Three Butterflies

Wrote the below poem for the prompt “Butterflies”

With heavy heart and tired feet

I lower myself on the garden’s wooden seat

Skies gray, vacant eyes and throbbing head

Cluttered mind, filled with dread

A squirrel scurries, I gaze ahead; silent, in its direction

Pondering wistfully, adrift; a delightful distraction

Ethereal creatures before me danced

Jived and waltzed, skipped and pranced

To the rustling of leaves, the hum of the breeze, a celestial beat

Such enthralling grace, was no mean feat-

I beheld enraptured, the dainty three-

Skirting on petals, so light and carefree

Velvety, speckled wings, a maiden’s eyelid fluttering

Drunk on nectar, swiftly gliding, shenanigans frolicking

What hand did mould this delicate being?

Troubles forgotten; my heart rejoiced on seeing

Yellow, white, black with blue, three orphic butterflies

Hope, Divinity, Joy… colored my world, before my eyes

I watch awhile, then rise anew

Strength and faith in every sinew

“I will survive! I will survive!” I know now why

The journey arduous, from caterpillar to butterfly…

One day, I too shall flit and fly

A lesson I learnt from the mystical butterfly

I dedicate the above poem to my mom-in-law whose eyes never fail to light up with child-like wonder at the sight of these dainty creatures in her garden. And truth be told, these frequent visitors are her constant companions.

This ability of hers, not to take for granted what is her everyday life but to appreciate the beauty of it each time like its the first time, leaves me in awe of her

As I write this poem, I see in my mind’s eye, the dainty butterflies, the flowers and my mom-in-law’s smile which make her eyes twinkle and all of it merges into one big, beautiful picture. She is one with them – light-hearted, fun and warm.

To be able to wonder and feel joy at the sight of a blooming bud or a migrating bird or the first rain, when your hair is all grey is the mark of beautiful soul, that hasn’t allowed the child within to die.

10 comments

bangaloreaspirants says:

March 24, 2019 at 14:26

have you published books? this stuff seems to be professional…very nice!

LikeLike

1. Smitha V says:
  
  March 24, 2019 at 21:07
  
  That’s really great to hear. No, I haven’t published a book as yet. I hope to some day. Thank you for the very positive comment. Its very encouraging. And thanks for finding your way here 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
daneelyunus says:

February 8, 2019 at 16:31

Nice one

LikeLike

1. Smitha V says:
  
  February 10, 2019 at 20:46
  
  Thank you. Glad you liked it and welcome to the blog!
  
  LikeLike
  
  1. daneelyunus says:
    
    February 12, 2019 at 00:19
    
    You are most welcome
    
    LikeLike
    
Andrea Stephenson says:

January 19, 2019 at 20:39

I never fail to be cheered by a butterfly. I think in this poem you’ve expressed the healing power of nature as well using the metaphor of the caterpillar’s transformation to highlight the journey of life.

LikeLike

1. Smitha V says:
  
  January 21, 2019 at 17:03
  
  I’m not surprised :). Your writing shows your love for every aspect of nature and it helps us, the readers to look a little more closely and fall in love with it too. Yes…the caterpillar stage cannot be very easy…just like life, right? 🙂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
Kurian says:

January 18, 2019 at 12:09

Nice poem and nice butterflies Smitha

LikeLike

1. Smitha V says:
  
  January 18, 2019 at 15:09
  
  Thank you Kurian😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  1. Kurian says:
    
    January 19, 2019 at 10:06
    
    You are welcome Smitha
    
    LikeLike