On frail wings
Spectacles of memories
Perhaps well suited for the pin
To mount up in some gallery
Go sailing far beyond my reach
But I should never wish it so
That beauty on this grander scale
Be found confined
By greedy man
Or turn of hand
As time, life, and love demand
Tomorrow then, my butterfly
If winded currents sweep you so
I will not keep you
No, not for trophies
Not for thirst to see your colors
Freedom owes itself to us
Your gilded wings deserve release
The slightest touch
Might hurt so much
For something there so precious made
So, to the breeze, I send you off
Tomorrow then, my butterfly
Today may be a time unkind
The sunset speaks
Upon your fragile form so sweet
Fluttering beyond my reach
But I can be
Content to know I held you close
And met you on this journey we
Were christened for
Before today was ever dreamed
Farewell, I hope you keep your wings
vampireweather 
This photograph/image is beautiful!
Beautiful….
)0(
A classic take on a perennial theme skillfully executed.
âĽ
You have written a beautiful poem so full of the pain of life, it touched my heart
I’m aware that I’m late to the table here, but my favorite “amateur” poet just did it again.
you written it beautifully inspite the pain said between the lines, very touching piece…
I love it!!! esp the image…its stunning!!!!
in a world of constant change
beauty even in sadness draws us back to a place
that made us feel….
I hope you find your wings again…your words are very much missed…
Take Care….
You Matter…
)0(
ladyblue
VW – I just saw your comment on Ben’s blog and raced to your site, wondering if you’d posted recently. Alas, I’ve MISSED you. Hope all is well!!
Betty, I deeply apologize. I can’t tell you how often I wanted to return, but the pain was confusing and I struggled with the identity of this place. It has taken me some time to find peace about posting here again, but it is so special to me and I didn’t want to stay away forever. I doubt I can commit the time I once did, but I certainly have a few unpublished poems in the archives from my absence. đ
Oh, how wonderful to hear from you again, Joseph. I never knew your name before. So glad you’ve returned, even if it’s just now and then. I’ll look forward to anything new you post! đ
sometimes you hear words that draw you back..this one does…
for me
Hope all is well in your world…
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
Joseph, just checking in – have missed your poetry. Hope all is well with you!
All is well, my dear friend. I am still writing poetry, but I have not shared it anywhere in a long time. Perhaps I should. Thank you so much for caring enough to check in on me!
Great to hear from you, Joseph! Yes, you SHOULD start sharing your poetry again – you are missed. đ
“Freedom owes itself to us
Your gilded wings deserve release
The slightest touch
Might hurt so much
For something there so precious made
So, to the breeze, I send you off”
“But I can be
Content to know I held you close
And met you on this journey we
Were christened for”
Love love love this piece…I’m speechless…absolutely in love with these two parts