Prelude to Silence
In the silence of a butterfly’s wings
passing on its final flight,
I listen to a falling leaf, no quiet
as full as its rustle among its fellows
that lie in wait for a new season,
and another, prelude to the return
of the silence of butterfly wings.
This poem is in response to earthweal weekly challenge: A BIODIVERSE POETRY, where Brendan asks, “What is the sound of life that is complex, intermingling, evolving and sustaining?”
rivrvlogr 
I enjoyed the crafting of this poem, Ken. The imagery is beautiful And the repetition says that butterflies will return. Everything comes full circle.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. 🙂 Something to look forward to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sings so softly and beautifully, Ken. Butterfly wings and falling/fallen leaves. Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Another beautiful poem, Ken.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Betty.
LikeLike
Another beautiful circle.
I just read that there have been more monarchs sighted at migration points this year–that’s a hopeful sign. (K)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I grew up in the self proclaimed Butterfly Town USA, for its Monarchs, and yes, news reports are of higher counts this year. How the bomb cyclone impacts that…
Ken, you capture stillness here ~
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Michael.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very good news. And thank you, Kerfe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading, re-reading, these lines take me into inner listening for crunches (body aging) but aware of silent wings (lifting into future beyond current body) – nice metaphysical journey! Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thank you. Awareness of surroundings helps with the inward journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely poem, Ken–the circle of seasons, the flight and the falling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Merril. I went kayaking last week, and there was one monarch weaving its way up the river beside me. Our leaves are only just beginning to turn, but I thought it was a sign.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like this imagery is wonderfully sensory. “Rustle” is such a great verb.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It’s a word that can take the mind in several directions.
LikeLiked by 1 person