My Papillon
Papillon is the French word for butterfly but I think the process of becoming one is a fine metaphor for the struggle to be yourself, especially for those who, like someone I love, wrestle with emotional disorders or special challenges.
My Papillon belongs to the following groups:
Everyday LifeMetamorphosed from the shelter of her silken web,
she broke the veil at last, well past the time for butterflies.
For silk became deception; it caged her for so long
in what was oft’ a web of pain and lonely isolation.
She had almost abandoned the struggle to be free of it,
given in instead to desiccation and despair
caught tightly there in full unguarded view
of hungry crows and astringent sun.
Yet some inner voice compelled her -
she emerged into the world anew,
this glorious self-creation
fragile still but powerful,
her coloring no camouflage but exquisitely displayed
in bloom among the zinnias,
and purple hyacinths.
linaji
Oh, the story of my life! beautiful metaphor yet I am sure this is exactly how that butterfly felt.
sweet ‘bloom among the zinnias and the purple hyacinths’. What a place to be born into! Do we look around and see what a glorious place we have been born into?
lianne replied
thank you so much lina – I actually wrote this to honor someone else’s struggle but it means a great deal to me that the metaphor speaks to you!
Jen Whyte
Such a beautiful word picture
lianne replied
thank you Jen – I appreciate it.
JoanIreland1970
Very beautiful, Lianne. Has a special meaning for me and my life. :)
lianne replied
I’m so touched Joan that this has special meaning for you – it does for me as well. Someone I love more than life itself inspired this piece and her courage is my constant inspiration!
Russell Holder
It is a scene from which all souls can understand the rebirth and struggle that must occur before stepping into the light of a new day… as we should approach every day in our lives.
A beautiful piece!
lianne replied
Boyd – truly I thank you for your comments – they mean a great deal to me as I admire your sensitivity and your creative gifts so very much. High praise indeed and I cherish it.
lianne replied
Thank you so much Russell for understanding so well – and yes, each day is a kind of metamorphosis for all of us but for some the courage it takes is beyond measure.
Jboo09
Thought I’d squeeze one more in before I go to bed… and boy am I glad I did! What a breathtaking piece this is, I don’t care if it’s one of your “worst” at the bottom, it’s amazing!!! The symbolism and fabulous metaphor of the butterfly breaking out of it’s all to comforting cocoon has so many real-life connotations, and personally I can relate. This is heading straight to my favorites. Beautiful work, you are the master :)
lianne replied
Well Jenni we seem to be developing a mutual admiration society here – lol. I can’t tell you how honored I am really and truly by your interest in my work, by your insightful and thoughtful comments. Coming from one who is obviously breaking out of her own cocoon to become a glorious butterfly poet, I am sincerely humbled. Thank you so much!