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Purple Butterflies and Raindrops on Roses

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The following writing is extremely disturbing in nature and content. Please read with that in mind. Although it is sadly,a truth and a reality, it is not easy to think about. I pray that violence against children and the innocent would never again be a plague in any part of our world.
Purple Butterflies and Raindrops on Roses Open my eyes. See the window covered in tiny beads of wet. Hear the raindrops on roses that line the building. That isn't right. Why can I hear the soft beating of rain? Smell sulfur and smoke and ozone? I turn my head. Soft, cotton leggings of pink and white, hug chubby, adolescent knees tight. A long tailed pale pink shirt with white ruffles on the neck line, hem, and arms, Picturing Sponge Bob Square pants and his BFF Patrick Star. Tiny white sandals with pink plastic flowers. Purple butterfly clips hanging onto blonde pigtails on each side of her head. Kindergarten lunch hour. It looks as if the butterflies are struggling to lift her up by her blonde curls to fly her far away. Bright sky blue eyes…eye? Eye. Empty orb but for the black blood, framed by stark white bone instead of long, flirting lashes. Like a candle crying tears of wax,dripping red, Veiling pale cheeks and freckles. I turn my head. Raindrops now streaming down the window, each one rushing toward something…frantic, panic. Wash it away! Wash it away! Wash it away! Soft, cotton leggings of pink and white, hug chubby, adolescent knees… that will never again kneel by a bedside to pray. Red polka dots on white sandals, one covered in congealing Salisbury steak gravy and spilled milk. If only her purple butterflies had flown her away from school today… taken her to the fairies to sing and play. A high pitched tone, raindrops now slowly, plop…plop…or is that blood dripping? The ceasing rain and silence merge. The stillness after gun fire is the loudest noise ever heard.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 7/2/2024 4:11:00 AM
I am delighted to see your name on the winners' list. Way to go. Congratulations to you. Sara K
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Crystol Woods
Date: 7/2/2024 12:45:00 PM
Thanks Sara! How nice of you to say! I enter as many contests as attracts or ignited my writers mind, even tho I'm not a experienced as I could be, this helps me grow. Xo
Date: 6/25/2024 6:48:00 PM
Dear Crystol, soulful poetess, your golden pen weeps upon the poetic page with aching, heartbreaking imagery as you bring this child to life before my eyes, only to experience the agony of her demise. "The ceasing rain and silence merge./The stillness after gun fire is the loudest noise ever heard." This is such a poignant and potent finale. It is as hard-hitting as a gunshot.. jolting.. as it should be with the nature of this poem. An intimate gripping piece! Congratulations for your win in Jcb's contest. Warmest wishes my gifted friend.. your artistry shines! ~Susan
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/26/2024 10:51:00 AM
This feels like an award in itself, this glowing review from you, thank you! Your encouragement is never in vain but lifts me up and ignites my pen! Xoxo
Date: 6/16/2024 5:18:00 PM
Beautiful poetry? I'm reading this as a school shooting? Tragic. How many parents left bereaved by senseless violence. So many guns... I hate them. Never owned one, never will. Brutal but well written Crys
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/16/2024 5:30:00 PM
Beautiful...not quite the right adjective somehow huh. Yes, I was attempting to write about school shootings.The horror of a shooting in what should be the most innocent, safe, almost sacred place. I'm not against guns or weapons per say but we need to focus much more on mental health and gun control. Anyone who needs a gun for legit reasons can wait for the proper processing and back ground checks.Ty for commenting. <3 xo
Date: 6/15/2024 6:42:00 PM
beautiful poetry~ a new fav!
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Crystol Woods
Date: 6/16/2024 5:31:00 AM
Ty Mimi! I'm coming over to visit your poetry! Put the coffee on! Lol xo

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