The Lament of the New Butterfly

Hello there! 

I was not planning to write again so soon, but in response to requests and in an effort to generally be friendly, here we are.  First, thanks to all who contacted me, either through comments, phone calls or emails, about the Causerie and your appreciation of its content.  The response has been quite gratifying.  I will make every attempt to keep you interested and informed...and of course share some writings. 

Below is a very new poem.  I am curious to know your opinion.  Please read it and then listen to the recording.  What you hear, is what I intended in the writing.   

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Aren't those wings gorgeous!

The Lament of the New Butterfly

There is yellow
Coming out of
Things in the yard.
There is a lighter
Shade of green
Out there as well.

It must be Spring.
When did that happen?

I was quite liking my
Brown and grey cocoon,
So safe and quiet.
Now,  I will have to unfold my wings.

I liked being wrapped up in my self.
I liked not seeing anything else but
The inside of me.

And now with my wings unfolded,
(But oh, my Lord, aren't they gorgeous!)
With them ready to go,
I am expected to flit and fly
Visiting other creatures, that
I can only tolerate for a moment or two.

Oh, Spring, what had'st thou done to me! 


Susan Patterson 

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Now that you've read the poem, here is the recording.  

What do you think?  Did it change the meaning for you?  Was the recording over the top?  I thought it was a tad so, but James, my very good husband and producer, did not.  In fact, it was at his request that I list this poem on my second posting.   I hope that you enjoy the humor.  Of course, those who know me very well, will recognize a little of me in the butterfly.  I very much like staying home and not flitting around from this place to that.  ;-) 

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Just a little something else...

If you haven't discovered Margery Sharp, the British author of the early to middle of the last century, I highly recommend her.  She was an intelligent and prolific writer.  She wrote The Rescuers, if that might help you place her.  Now, I did not read her books about mice, but I have read many of her books about people.  And they are witty and sharp (no pun intended) and interesting.  She is particularly good in capturing the local dialects and the cultures of the people that she writes about.  In addition, her women characters are all very strong, and often in interesting ways.  My friend and illustrator extraordinaire, Susan Laird, first shared them with me.  Here are my favorites thus far:

• The Foolish Gentlewoman (1948)
  
• The Gypsy in the Parlour (1954)
• Something Light (1960)
  
• And the Martha Series, three books in all.  

Some of the books are quite expensive, most are not.  If you are tired of mysteries, murders and gore, then look for Margery Sharp.  You won't be disappointed.  skp

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À bientôt!