a butterfly’s journey
This poem was inspired by a small pale yellow butterfly I watched fight its way up a steep cliff a few years ago. The winds were brisk with downdrafts and updrafts sweeping the small creature to their will. But my butterfly hero was undeterred. I watched this brave creature fight forces it seemed so powerless against. After a long fight, it finally made its way up. It didn’t tary or do a celebratory circle or fly by. It just continued on its journey. For many of us, 2020 was a year like that and I think we’re almost up the cliff. We can’t control the winds or the rocks, but we can certainly control our wings. Don't Blame the Wind Don’t blame the wind for it blows with no care. Don’t blame the rocks for the flesh they would tear. Don’t blame your wings for the strength they must find. Don’t blame the sun for the eyes it does blind. Don’t see the course as too long or too sheer. Don’t see the drop as penance to fear. Don’t see the ridge as the end of the road. Don’t see the flowers as a jealousy to goad. Look to the wind for the lift it provides. Look to the rocks for the boundary to glide. Look to your wings for the power they possess. Look to the sun for the warmth it begets. Do see the course for a path to reveal. Do see the drop for motivating appeal. Do see the ridge as a link in the chain. Do see the flowers as friends on the way. Some loops bring you forward Some swerves set you back. The journey’s rarely straight lines We must be ready to tack. So drink in the sun Make the toil delight. Keep beating your wings And your life will take flight.
Make It a Good Story 