The Butterfly

How quickly
vanity will undo a man
sitting in an outpatient ward,
his, no minor ills
yet feeling worse
for the treatment
than its need.

Aware the ticking of the clock,
exchange of amiable words -
they never wear solid colors
in oncology,
always gaier prints
and smiles set
against hopeful eyes.

Apprehensions and myths
must be unravelled,
even thoughts deciphered,
delusions dislodged;
so many stories of survivors,
and remembrances of those gone.

The butterfly
has no consciousness of fear,
and sparrows dart without tear.
To man alone,
God's ultimate created,
is the grimness of the grave known.
Yet, there remains on my lips
a boatload of gold,
while I am found, too,
in the shadow of my tears.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

DiMino Avatar
June 11, 2016 at 11:13 AM
Lots to be grateful, if only for the chance, life a wonder if beheld. Excellent writing!
Wesley Avatar
May 7, 2012 at 1:19 PM
I seems an outpatient ward could strip you of more than vanity. The survivors have much to come to terms with when one deals with illness. I found the verse very sad Chuck. Hope all is well with you. Lizzie
Fabulae Avatar
April 22, 2012 at 3:44 PM
I see a very strong man going through a very vulneable time! Must have been Hard to put into words!! C Fabulae
Bauer Avatar
April 15, 2012 at 3:36 PM
wow! very profound and beautifully written. i love the alliteration placed just perfectly, too.
A   Avatar
April 14, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Hello Chuck, how are you? Your poem is much to deep... Vanity can be one big pain the ta ta.. just as long as vanity is all we see the poorness, and week will out grow everything... this is a shadowyyyy world we live in...Great poem...always..pd
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace