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Butterfly

Butterfly

Ghostly visage in mine eye...
What brings you?
Laughter echoing harsh and dry...
If I but knew!

Tortured sounds that come so nigh...
Can you not hear?
Bloodstained hands that terrify...
Stand tremblin' with fear.

Terror that seems to amplify...
What must I do?
Holding back my fearful cry...
Mystery I must pursue!

Thirst for knowledge I must satisfy...
Should I lament?
Gone past the days of the Butterfly,
Flitting with no intent!

Rett
January, 1972







— Rett, Sep 02, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Southern Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: Dickenson, Longfellow

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Critiques

M

mantiscepter

16 years 9 months ago

Butterflies

I usually relate butterflies with beauty ;in a flow of soft lights caressing, the wings of this dainty delicate creature,filling nature in, months of colorful arrays of warmth!!. But No, you changed this vision exquisitely I must say. In the corner of my, mind shadows,I can relate. in this relentless quest. Good write Mantiscepter
Rett

Rett

16 years 9 months ago

Mantiscepter, Thank you

This is a very old piece, but even then I tended to write about different things and different ways of looking at it. Very happy you enjoyed it. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen
Kailashana

Kailashana

16 years 9 months ago

Perhaps a butterfly from

Perhaps a butterfly from hell, who would have thunk? Or a butterfly by day, bat outta hell by night? I'll have to dig out some 1972 poems too, Mr. Butler.... ~A p.s. I've been meaning to ask.... r u sure you're not Amish?
Rett

Rett

16 years 9 months ago

*LOL* Pretty much the latter

two and one-half years later our divorce was final and she was living with my best friend, at least til he paid for the divorce. Still miss my friend. As for Amish, I like my modern appliances too much for that. *LOL* Thank you Miss Scarlett. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen
DS

Diatom Shells

16 years 9 months ago

hello rett

this brought upon a sense of anxious feelings of the unknown, the future has a grasp of fear an illusion of the mind, yet the present doesn't exist as soon as u realize its the present the present has already passed you by. thanks for this. -diatom shells
Rett

Rett

16 years 9 months ago

You Pretty much nailed it Diatom

I was scared to death at the time. *LOL* Wish I had listened to my anxiety. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen
L

lyz

16 years 9 months ago

Am I wrong?

In thinking this reminded me of the story behind the movie, The Butterfly effect?, Don't get me wrong, I liked your play upon words, and I am not being critical, but just saying, if it was written in similar context to the movie, I understand, If not, you have mystified me. Liked it, all the same. Love a good mystery.Does it mean entrapment, to be free or to go back and change the mistakes we made? Sorry to be a pain. Or from your comment, becoming a man, unaware what the future holds and fear of change? Lyz.x.
Rett

Rett

16 years 9 months ago

Hi Liz, thank you

Hmm, perhaps I should get me a good lawyer since this was written around 32 years before the movie. Did they steal from me? Pretty much it is the fear of becoming a man and what that all means. I was footloose and fancy free from age 13 on so suddenly having someone else to care for/support was very daunting. I had went where I wanted, did what I wanted and survived on the streets so it was a rough decision for me. I appreciate your kind words. Thank you. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen
Seren

Seren

16 years 9 months ago

Dear Rett I really enjoyed

Dear Rett I really enjoyed your dark butterfly of mystery ... touched a cord in me I enjoyed it immensely ... and you might have planted a seed with this write ... lol inspiring words my friend ... love and hugz Jayne ... hope all is well with you and yours .. We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves. Lynn Hall ...
Rett

Rett

16 years 9 months ago

Thank you My friend

I appreciate the kind words from you always. If I planted a seed, then no more can be greater than someone growing something from a poem I have written. We are okay. Headed to the doctor this morning. Arthritis is so bad I can hardly function, but I am still here. Waking up each day is a plus in my book. *L* Hope you are well and feeling a little better. Respectfully, Rett: "When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half." Gracie Allen
Janice Pearce

Janice Pearce

16 years 9 months ago

Butterfly

Rett, I enjoyed this one.I think with every reader, there will be a different interpretation. Which is dam good! _____________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous