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Tattered
I watched a butterfly today,
grappling with the barbarous breeze.
She was suspended and entrapped
under a canopy of trees.
Her tattered wing was on display,
a tragedy for all to see.
Descending onto blades of grass,
so frail and weak she seemed to be.
But then she strove to rise again
and fought the wicked wind with grace,
then fluttered away suddenly,
as the tears glistened on my face.
For I was moved by her desire,
the struggle fought to be set free.
Ambitions are like butterflies
and they persist inside of me.
.
.
Venessa Lee-Estevez has been an educator for Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida for over 21
years.
“Ambitions are like butterflies” – I like the irony of that line, in that most people would read that as a statement about the frailty of human ambitions – but you turn that notion on its head!
Reminds me of one time I got in my car and saw a butterfly on the hood of my car. As I pulled onto an interstate onramp and accelerated, the butterfly, its wings whipping about in the wind, remained fastened to the hood of the car and stuck with me until I parked at my destination twenty minutes later.
So yes! Butterflies are gutsy 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words! My name means butterfly, and I consider myself to be gutsy in many ways. They are still able to fly, even with a tattered wing. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
“Ambitions are like butterflies” – I like the irony of that line, in that most people would read that as a statement about the frailty of human ambitions (See Emily Dickinson’s “Go Not too Near a House of Rose”) – but you turn that notion on its head!
Reminds me of one time I got in my car and saw a butterfly on the hood of my car. As I pulled onto an interstate onramp and accelerated, the butterfly, its wings whipping about in the wind, remained fastened to the hood of the car and stuck with me until I parked at my destination twenty minutes later.
So yes! Butterflies are gutsy 🙂
Precious poem written so well and with a meaningful message that is uplifting.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.
Dear Venessa,
You have beautifully captured the scene and made a comparison that is quite valid. As I reread the poem, I considered how, sometimes, our ambitions are also tattered and on display, a humbling experience.
Your poem points out that success is not always rooted in visible strength but on an inner fortitude. I am encouraged to press on in my own feebleness. Thank you.
Gigi
Thank you for your beautiful analysis. I have undergone a physical transformation this past year and I was really trying to capture my feelings of determination.
Reminds me of the story of Robert the Bruce and the spider that won’t give up till it’s spun its web.
Thanks for the read, Vanessa.
Venessa, This poem is a lovely metaphor that expresses the determination we each have within us to overcome adversities.
Thank you so much! I have been through some trying times this past year, so I wanted to reflect those emotions.
A touching drama and a pertinent comparison, Venessa. The ending is natural, yet not entirely expected. You don’t note why frailty and weakness succeeded–all the more encouraging to cherished ambitions, whatever they may be.
What’s great about this poem is that it not only draws the reader in with its vivid and well-presented scenes but also tactfully wraps the event up and transitions into the finale containing a powerful truth about life. Very well done, Venessa!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and I’m glad you enjoyed reading it.
Dear Venessa Lee-Estevez,
I was lucky enough to read your beautiful poem “Tattered” this morning.
I have Multiple Sclerosis and at times I feel like every day presents a new challenge. Eary on I wished I could just fly away but the disease would still be there. So like your Tattered I have learned to cope, not settle but cope and realize there are many ways to fly.