Saturday, October 13, 2007

~Poetry That Touches My Heart~

“A Yellow Pansy”

To the wall of the old green garden
A butterfly quivering came:
His wings on the sombre liechens
Played like a yellow flame.

He looked at the grey geraniums,
And the sleepy four-o’clocks;
He looked at the low lanes bordered
With the glossy-growing box.

He longed for the peace and silence,
And the shadows that lengthened there,
And his wee wild heart was weary
Of skimming the endless air.

And now in the old green garden,
I know not how it came,
A single pansy is blooming,
Bright as a yellow flame.

And whenever a gay gust passes,
It quivers as if with pain,
For the butterfly soul that is in it
Longs for the winds again!


Helen Gray Cone (19th Century)





I remember the first time I read this ... I remember the tears coming and I remember thinking about the scene for several days after. Even now, each time I read THE YELLOW PANSY, I pause to think and my heart grieves for the yellow butterfly.

7 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Beautiful poem....thank you for sharing.
Penny

Heather said...

Heartbreakingly beautiful.

Mary said...

This is so touching Deborah - I love butterflies and pansies - plan to plant the latter on my return as it's been too hot yet!

Thanks for leaving the sweet comments - I'll be thinking of you as I wander around my lovely home town. Know the time will pass far too quickly. I'll see and do as much as I can so I can bring back photos, and hopefully a few small odds and ends for the house of course!

Have fun in Seattle - I love that city, especially the market and waterfront. We always eat at the Pink Door restaurant, on the patio looking out over the water.

Need to complete packing etc. so must go. Stay safe - see you at the end of the month.
Hugs - Mary.

Anonymous said...

I should really read more poetry. This one you have shared is beautiful. Thank you.

Take care,
Connie

Rebecca said...

What a touching poem! I am Rebecca from Kitchen Riches and Renaissance. YOu recently stopped by and on your way 'out' left behind such nice comments I thought I should come and thank you for them, so here I am! :-)

It is always a PLEASURE to meet new friends! I do hope you stop by again sometime!

Sharon said...

The poem is truly beautiful and we can take mother nature for granted so easy. Love the picture to.........

kari and kijsa said...

Beautiful post....love the image of the beautiful flower blooming for her long-lost friend!

smiles, kari and kijsa