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Ratleader
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Member Rara Avis
since 2003-01-23
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Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass

0 posted 2005-05-04 05:18 PM


As The Butterfly Climbs
  
The air was alive then and I was in it
all the bobbling lift and fling
and oh the rise of it,
pulsing under my outspread wings!
I could take a tree on an updraft
or hover like thought
over a dandelion to sip.
  
Now they’re spent, rag-edged,
and the powder so lost
the sun shines through
when I flare them to the breeze;
but I can feel it still, remember,
climbing this stalk as I must do.
I remember too the vibrant flash of you,
your almost sparkle over the leaves.
  
I climb slow now past thistle spines,
specks of pollen clinging to my legs,
remembering our days, how the sun
would warm us in the morning
and the moon’s cool flow in darkness
when the moths would come to share
while we were sleeping.
I’m nearly high enough now
and where are you, I wonder?
  
I hope your wings
still have their color sheen
to lift you in that almost magic
that mine lost bit by bit in chances,
touches and collisions and
one frantic flight from a bird.
I wish I could pull past
the coarse spikes of the thistle bud,
taste the warm smooth nectar again,
but this will do, it’s high enough.
  
I feel the breeze;
in a moment I’ll fling myself out,
and if it catches me turning
spreading, flailing for time,
I may still feel the joy of it
for just a moment, as I fall.


© Copyright 2005 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved
Martie
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since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
1 posted 2005-05-04 05:22 PM


Ed

I have often wished for wings, but never really considered the possibility of falling if I had them.  I loved the metaphor you used in this, the strength to try through fear.  

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
2 posted 2005-05-04 05:23 PM


climb slow now past thistle spines,
specks of pollen clinging to my legs,
remembering our days, how the sun
would warm us in the morning
and the moon’s cool flow in darkness
when the moths would come to share
while we were sleeping.
I’m nearly high enough now
and where are you, I wonder?

I wonder too, and will be pondering this for some time.
*Just beautful*
I have always loved the way you write, Ed~

Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903
In Your Poetic Mind
3 posted 2005-05-04 06:57 PM


I hope your wings
still have their color sheen
to lift you in that almost magic
that mine lost bit by bit in chances,
touches and collisions and
one frantic flight from a bird.
I wish I could pull past
the coarse spikes of the thistle bud,
taste the warm smooth nectar again,
but this will do, it’s high enough.
  
I feel the breeze;
in a moment I’ll fling myself out,
and if it catches me turning
spreading, flailing for time,
I may still feel the joy of it
for just a moment, as I fall.''


____


these lines blow me away,  there is so much emotion woven all through this....you're soaring and it shows!




Lauren~

I don’t mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

Beki
Senior Member
since 1999-09-15
Posts 1569
Newport Beach, CA, USA
4 posted 2005-05-05 12:27 PM


wow! Ed you have outdone yourself -- this absolutely ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! I love the metaphor, I love the message...I love the presentation...it is one awesome poem, dude!
latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
5 posted 2005-05-05 01:24 AM


Excellent! Bravo, marty
Goldenrose
Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665

6 posted 2005-05-05 04:13 AM


An unusual subject...putting yourself in the butterflies place...and usuing metaphor...but using words not expected...enjoyed this read ED..thank you..

Goldenrose.

Justice cannot be for oneside alone, but must be for both. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
7 posted 2005-05-05 04:31 AM


wow
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

8 posted 2005-05-05 06:46 AM


there was someone once, a long time ago, it was one of the happiest moments of my life, then...but, we both failed each other, and...hard as it may seem, we could never go back, but the wonderful thing about life is, if both are willing a friendship may flourish from the relationship...and two may learn a great deal from each other that way...your poem reminds me of the progress two people could make, if there are no expectations from each other, other then to share thoughts...and maybe  in the end, the two might realize, that even though once, they shared a great love, they grew apart seperately, into different worlds...which was best for them....for from that great love, they learned the brutal pain of they're own mistakes which caused the other great heartache?

I dunno, but, see what your poem did?  Many thoughts to ponder, hugs hun...and thank you for a wonderful thought provoking, heartfelt write.

Sunshine
Administrator
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
9 posted 2005-05-05 07:32 AM



Even though the butterfly may fall...
it took grit and strength to climb
the prickly stem for one last attempt.

The responses here are provoked[?] by
the seriousness...and hope...of this
wonderful work.

Consider flying high, leave the bad behind
and look for the good...for even though
evil exists...the beauty of the artful
butterfly consists of dreams on wing.

Bravo!

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
10 posted 2005-05-05 09:17 AM


This one climbed straight into my heart... I think it's one of your best!!! You paint so vividly with your words... leaving the reader feeling the yearn as intensely as they see the ragged wings struggling towards height... to feel flight again for one more moment... even if it means being willing to fall...

I could chatter forever and not do this justice... it's absolutely superb!

miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
11 posted 2005-05-05 12:15 PM


The air was alive then and I was in it
all the bobbling lift and fling
and oh the rise of it,
pulsing under my outspread wings!
I could take a tree on an updraft
or hover like thought
over a dandelion to sip.

Such a wonderful feeling!  You describe it perfectly!   As always, I enjoy reading your poetry!

Wishing you a great week!  Whoops--as we're almost to the weekend, perhaps I should say, "have a great weekend!"

                  miscellanea

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

12 posted 2005-05-07 09:10 AM


This one touches deeply Ed.  Each verse holds so much depth.  Well done sir.
Copperbell
Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956

13 posted 2005-05-07 12:34 PM


This is beautiful - as others have said - this so connects with our experiences

including my own

Startime55
Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148
Alberta, Canada
14 posted 2005-05-07 12:56 PM


Your words bring to life colors and feelings filled with magic and wonder...A stunning poem that ripple in the mind long after it is read....BRAVO!!!...

MGROVES
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2004-02-01
Posts 3802
california
15 posted 2012-05-20 07:20 PM


like spirits, little angels of gods

My spirit will rise
above the sea~
There will be no drowning
of my soul or me~

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