Dance of the Butterflies

In a small grassy field
With the trees all around
There's a fairy ring ancient and old
And at times you can hear
Perfect echoes of sound --
'Tis the music of ages untold

For the crickets keep time
To a waltz or a reel
And the birds fill that lovely expanse
With the notes to a tune
With a light, airy feel --
In the field where the butterflies dance

(Refrain)
Where the wildflowers bloom
With a sweet perfume
In a rainbow of colours and shades
Where the maids hurry down
From the hill-top town
And the butterflies dance with the maids

Where they splash in the stream
Or they lie and dream
Where the bullfrogs thrum
While the butterflies wing
And the hummingbirds hum
While the merry maids sing
In the field where the butterflies dance


On a winged pirouette
Or a six legged slip
How they dance, and they wheel and they turn!
And their wings flash in time
To a bright Scottish trip
While the lassies turn 'round by the burn

For the crickets keep time
To a waltz or a reel
And the birds fill that lovely expanse
With the notes to a tune
With a light, airy feel --
In the field where the butterflies dance

(Refrain)
Where the wildflowers bloom
With a sweet perfume
In a rainbow of colours and shades
Where the maids hurry down
From the hill-top town
And the butterflies dance with the maids

Where they splash in the stream
Or they lie and dream
Where the bullfrogs thrum
While the butterflies wing
And the hummingbirds hum
While the merry maids sing
In the field where the butterflies dance

Note: I have used some spondee rhythm in the refrain. That is two stressed syllables in a foot. [ / / ] There is some information in the article on Meter and Foot on this site. Lines 2 and 5 in the first verse of the refrain, and 2 in the second are an anapestic foot followed by a spondee foot; (two unstressed syllables followed by three stressed).
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Allison Avatar
January 21, 2015 at 5:42 PM
Absolutely delightful imagery from start to finish - I am in awe of your creativity:-) Hugs Jan x
Jerden Avatar
March 1, 2014 at 6:26 PM
The rhythm here flows effortlessly. Just grand! BTW, a fairy ring is formed by the ring of spreading mycelium of an underground fungus. There is actually a mushroom(Marasmius oreades) called the fairy ring mushroom although other types form the ring as well. Cheers, Roy
Deschler Avatar
August 28, 2013 at 1:37 PM
Your poetry flows so effortlessly and beautifully, Isaiah! I know, I said I would try to be more critical in the future, but it's difficult when the poetry is so great, as is! Thank you for your kind comments on my poem "I Want To Be Yours". I appreciate it! I made the change in my fourth line, that you suggested.
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 5:52 PM
I enjoyed the merriment of your poem. The description feels like a holiday celebration of nature on a glorious summer day. A suburb write. Warm Smiles, Connie
Manassian Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 5:51 AM
Isaiah...you are a true poet. This is amazing...simply amazing! I loved the cadence of the whole thing...and the content...airy and light and beautiful...the explanation is gone on me....dear me! I'm a simpleton... :) Glad some of us aren't! GREAT WORK!
Gasun Avatar
June 19, 2013 at 10:59 AM
this is a marvelous write of you my dear friend Isaiah! I love it and so enjoyed reading it. Thank you so much for sharing & also for my awesome win in your amazing contest. More blessings & power! love lots, Leonora
Anglesey Avatar
June 19, 2013 at 7:26 AM
This is amazing. Spectacular imagery and beautifully lyrical that takes the reader on a magical journey.
Delaney Avatar
June 18, 2013 at 12:42 PM
You seem to have your own special portal to the magic realms of Fairyland. I love you use of Spondee to give it a tripping sound. So inspiring. With much Aloha SuZ
Dietrich Avatar
June 15, 2013 at 9:03 PM
this is really cute. I imagine a fantastical natural scene in a time where things were less complicated and all is so dreamy!
Maharaj Avatar
June 14, 2013 at 3:12 AM
This is stunning. i love it. I can imagine the scene :) > P.S thank you for the wonderful comments :)
Ober Avatar
June 10, 2013 at 9:23 AM
This is magical!! You have painted such a vivid image in my mind. I felt like I was transported straight to Faerie Land - or at least to the Scottish highlands :)
Phillips Avatar
June 8, 2013 at 6:16 PM
Hi Isiah this is a well written poem.Very beatiful piece. I love essence of nature
Moore Avatar
June 8, 2013 at 5:45 PM
I enjoyed that very good read
Chircop Avatar
June 8, 2013 at 5:41 PM
I really can dance with those butterflies..Its magocal beauty-Charma going to my favs
Gorelick Avatar
June 6, 2013 at 2:20 PM
Oh, put this to music, please! How lovely.BG
Bauer Avatar
June 6, 2013 at 1:40 PM
isaiah - i love this poem but i have a question about the second verse of the refrain. i've read it a couple of times and can't get the rhythm, which doesn't seem to match that of the rest of the poem. perhaps if i knew the tune, it would all flow smoothly. otherwise, i love the imagery and the airy lightness of your words...
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