Posted for Poets United Mid-Week Motif: Light
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Butterfly Light
Words are the light
that helps to define
whatever I find
in my silent darkness.
Like the eye of a storm,
brings comforting stillness
to surrounding chaos
and utter confusion.
Flickering candle of fluttering
brightness, like butterfly wings
that quickly banish, transform
whatever fear might prevent
forward movement.
Elizabeth Crawford 5/22/2019
Process Notes: Already knew the first line of what I would write when I came online. So looked for an image and found this old photo taken many years ago. I have a thing about ‘cloud action’. The second verse came directly from the photo. And then finally noticed, for the first time, the butterfly at the center of its light. Butterflies are a symbol of transformation and metamorphosis.
Soul's Music 
How wonderful this is! Especially the first stanza. Wow!!!!!!!!
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I love the way you have matched your words to your image. I was particularly drawn to the “Flickering candle of fluttering”. I could actually see the light moving in that line just like butterfly wings.
Thank you, Lori. I am always surprised when I find things in images, especially when they suggest more words. At 73 it’s good to know that the awe of a child still exists inside. And is yet another form of light.
Elizabeth
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Excellent poem Elizabeth.
I love the butterfly light and all that it signifies..
Thank you, Eileen. I love butterflies and dragonflies, as well. For such fragile creatures, their symbolism is huge with meaning. Dragonflies are said to be the Guardians of Dreamtime. I did try to leave a message at your post, but got turned away by Google. I liked your poem as well.
Elizabeth
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Yes words are the light as they reveal much more that we can see, they can give us understanding.
Thank you, oldegg. Yes, I agree, words are often a conduit of revelation.
Elizabeth
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Light transforms. What to speak of words that are true beacon to us! A beautiful poem. Love the photo. I see an angel there.
Thank you, Sumana. And that is the most basic reason that we need one another. We each see a bit differently because we each own the light of our own experience. I’m glad you see an angel, and now I can see the same.
Elizabeth
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love the analogy of flickering candlelight to butterfly wings…
Thank you, Rajani. Even the smallest of lights brings definition to darkness. I believe we need all of the light we can perceive and more. Light brings hope and we need that even more.
Elizabeth
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I also love the flying things…from Rocky I, “…like flying candy.” Wonderful write. And thank you for your comment on my post. Light, that magical thing…we flick the switch, and we forget it comes on, so we can see what is in the light…no longer afraid.
Thank you, Annell. The human mind can be a darker than dark thing. It doesn’t have to be. Perhaps if we could train ourselves to turn on the light switch each morning when we awaken, we might better see what we, and our world needs.
Elizabeth
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Words are indeed the bringer of light, Elizabeth. As fragile-seeming as butterfly wings, they wield a tremendous power to heal. And yours, in this poem, are absolutely lovely.
Thank you, Kathy. Yes, they are fragile things, too many times spoken without thought, let alone consequence. Yet are just as readily the vehicle for bringing healing to a world sorely in need of their elixir. Someone once said that “words are magic”. May it always be so…
Elizabeth
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That first stanza had me spellbound. Such a lovely poem and photo!
Thanks, Sara. Glad you liked both. The photo did help me find the poem.
Elizabeth
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Words are the wings thal allow us to ascend above Elizabeth, providing a broader, more detailed view of life
But only if we allow them to do so, Rob
Elizabeth
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Yes, the light for me too.
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wonderful! so glad i came across your lovely blog and i look forward to following your posts. Anita.
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